All athletes aspire to confront the leading figures in their respective sport as it places them under a significant spotlight. In the arena of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), competing under the banner of Dana White’s promotion is considered the pinnacle. However, numerous luminaries have been attracted away by the prospect of increased compensation. Consider the case of Cody Garbrandt, who’s preparing for what may conceivably be his concluding bout under his existing UFC contract. He is considering multiple possibilities, with his ultimate choice hinging on one factor: financial remuneration.
Garbrandt recently divulged that his forthcoming showdown with Miles Johns, scheduled for the 9th of November at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, signifies the termination of his present contract. He expressed that he maintains a stable rapport with Dana White, the UFC’s chief executive, and has a sustained interest in remaining in the octagon. Nevertheless, he’s receptive to alternative avenues depending on potential monetary incentives.
As he puts it, ‘There are still some matters I am ironing out with the UFC. As this is the last fight of my contract, I’ll need to consult with them and assess the propositions that emerge. While I do hold an affinity for UFC – especially considering the trajectory of the sport – monetary considerations inevitably come into play.’ Indeed, in the grand scheme of things, fiscal considerations are a ubiquitous driving force.
Once they have carved out a name for themselves and garnered a fan following through the UFC, many athletes are compelled to seek more lucrative opportunities elsewhere. This path has been followed by MMA athletes such as Francis Ngannou, Marc Diakiese, and Cris Cyborg, who opted to part ways with the UFC for more appealing propositions. Hence, if Garbrandt receives an enticing offer from other promoters, it would not be out of the ordinary for him to accept the deal and transition.
Cody Garbrandt, previously the UFC Bantamweight champion, is poised to engage with Miles Johns on the upcoming UFC Fight Night slated for November 9. This event carries considerable weight for Garbrandt, marking the conclusion of his prevailing contract.
Garbrandt boasted two victories in 2023 but suffered a loss to Deiveson Figueiredo this April, leaving him keen to recover his form. His fight record since clinching the championship in 2016 has been inconsistent, and this bout offers a chance to tip the balance in his favor.
In contrast, Johns enters the fight on a four-fight winning streak, recently adding a victory over Douglas Silva de Andrade this past April to his record. This backdrop adds an intriguing dimension to the upcoming encounter, sparking curiosity over whether the former champion will pursue other promotions or remain with the UFC.
Should Garbrandt decide to step away, it would indeed be a significant event. He’s emerged as a notable figure for the UFC, delivering several unforgettable matches. The direction he chooses for his next step could potentially induce substantial consequences for his current and future affiliations.