Former UFC Bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt can perhaps become the latest Octagon veterinarian who moves to Bare Knuckle FC.
Cody Garbrandt was once considered one of the best pound-for-pound hunters in the UFC. But after a dramatic slide of the top of the Bantamweight department of the UFC, many have wondered what the next one is for the former title holder.
Garbrandt lost to Raoni Barcelos in UFC Atlanta in June, in the latest setback of his UFC career. He has lost seven of his last ten fights in general, with four knockout losing during the current Skid.
While Garbrandt thinks his next step, he teased a potential decision to take the gloves and go to a new sport.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC
Cody Garbrandt's Bare Knokelel FC Plague asks strong fan reactions
Garbrandt lived this weekend Bare Knuckle FC 79 at when the Ultimate Fighter Legend Julian Lane recorded the BKFC -Welterweight title in the main event. While he enjoys the festivities, Garbrandt had a spontaneous faceoff with BKFC featherweight champion Kai Stewart, which encouraged speculation about the future of the former UFC champion.
Garbrandt is currently under contract with the UFC, but a move to the BKFC ring is not excluded. Various top names, including Jimmie Rivera, Mike Perry and Ben Rothwell, have switched to bare fighting with great success.
The boxing background of Garbrandt means that a transition to BKFC can be quick and seamless for the UFC height. But Vecht fans are not enthusiastic about the prospect of Garbrandt who makes the move.
Former UFC Bantamweight champion, Cody “No Love” Garbrandt, overlooks BKFC Vederweight Champion, Kai Stewart!
In this phase of Cody's career it would not be surprising to see him make the leap to BKFC – and it would probably suit him better.
(📸: @bareknucklefc) pic.twitter.com/nrhkalekd1
– Combat Sports Today (@cstodaynews) 3 August 2025
“Cody can actually die in BKFC,” wrote a fan on X.
“Cody please,” said another.
“Cody no. You don't have the chin.”
“Cody in Bare Knuckle is insane. That man has dangerous hands.”
“Cody, don't do it bro.”
“This man was once the most dangerous 135 on the planet, now he is just another life crazy.”
“Get Cody de F *** from BKFC.”
“Guy is desperate to be eliminated by another Kai, give it two years and he will be stolen in 2 minutes by [Kai Stewart]. “
“He would die F ******.”
“Exactly what these fools need, more concussion.”
Garbrandt appeared on the CUSP of a UFC revival after back-to-back victories over Brian Kelleher and Trevin Jones in 2023. But the momentum of the former champion was stopped by Deiveson Figueiredo on UFC 300, because Garbrandt lost through second round of entering.
Garbrandt and his team seemed to follow in the FCC Atlanta only a few weeks ago. Garbrandt could possibly return to the cage later this year, unless he chooses to ask for his release of the promotion to explore a BKFC run.
Cody Garbrandt's UFC display started after one of the biggest title fights of all time
Garbrandt rose to UFC Superstardom when he beat Dominick Cruz on dominant fashion on UFC 207 to win the UFC Bantamweight title. He then lost the belt in his first defense against TJ Dillashaw by knockout, before he dropped a ko -loss to Dillashaw in their immediate rematch.
A knockout victory over Raphael Assuncao led some people to believe Garbrandt could return to championship form before losing back-to-back to rob font and Kai Kara-France beat him off the pedestal. Despite his recent struggles, Garbrandt is only 34 years old and probably still has some tread on his tires.
Garbrandt's Faceoff with Stewart refers to his seriousness over a move to BKFC. It can be a matter of time until we see BKFC that there is still a large splash drawing in the former UFC champion.