Cody Garbrandt Discloses Unsettling, Post-COVID Issues

Originally, it was widely reported that a torn bicep was the reason Cody Garbrandt was pulled from a scheduled fight with Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 255. But, as it turns out, ongoing issues Garbrandt has been forced to deal with due to contracting COVID-19 this past summer, is the main reason “No Love” was forced to the sidelines.

Garbrandt discloses various medical issues tied to COVID-19

The former bantamweight champ was booked to challenge Figueiredo on November 21st, following his jaw-dropping KO of Raphael Assuncao in June. Garbrandt called for the fight, while assuring the UFC he could make 125 pounds.

But, as noted above, the hard-hitting fighter was forced to withdraw, and Figueiredo faced and defeated Alex Perez instead. More recently, while commenting on the flyweight champ’s win, Garbrandt disclosed the following (quotes via MMA Mania).

“Disclaimer from my last post, I was positive for COVID Aug 29th,” Garbrandt wrote in an Instagram Story.

“Since then I have been battling vertigo, tore my vein in my bicep which resulted in finding out I have blood clots, pneumonia and mental fog, these are the symptoms I’ve had and been dealing with and this is the reason I pulled out of the fight.

I haven’t done any media, but I’d like to address it on my own terms.”

So, obviously, this is pretty unsettling to hear. But, we do know now that sadly, some people do develop what’s being called now post-COVID syndrome. Hopefully, Garbrandt continues to recover, and it sounds like he’s very optimistic, his Octagon return’s not far off.

Case in point, Garbrandt also shared out these comments about Figueiredo’s win this past weekend.

That was a lamb being brought in to a slaughter to build up that Golem mfer and let me heal from covid. It’s just business.

“Alex Perez was just someone they gave Figueiredo to build up our fight more I knock that guy (Figueiredo) out in the first or second round. I’ll be ready by March.”

Will Garbrandt fight for the title in March?

Now, since Figueierdo’s big win at UFC 255, he’s already agreed to fight Brandon Moreno on December 12th (who stopped Brandon Royval at UFC 255). So, regardless of who wins that fight, will the winner be willing to fight again March?

Maybe. But, you have to wonder if they might decide to take some time off, given they’re fighting twice in a 21 day period. 

You also have to wonder if the UFC might want Garbrandt to fight at 135 next, and not cut to 125, given the medical issues he’s gone through in recent months.