Cody Garbrandt speaks to the media ahead of his flyweight debut

Cody Garbrandt speaks to the media ahead of his flyweight debut against Kai Kara-France at UFC 269.

It’s been a long way to get here, but this weekend at UFC 269 ​​Cody Garbrandt is finally set to make his flyweight debut. Originally scheduled to drop to 125 to face Deiveson Figueosystemo in November 2020, bantamweight champion was forced to withdraw from the competition after being diagnosed with a blood clot.

Now, just over a year later, Garbrandt has come to the week in good spirits, ready to officially downgrade to his new weight class. As he told the media on media day, his body seems to be responding well to his journey to the new weight class.

“I feel like this is probably my more natural weight. I feel like a lot of people have a lot more weight. I feel like skill set, speed, power, obviously I still have that in the league. That’s my career,” Garbrandt said.

While he is giving Kara-France the proper care and respect, he is worthy of a match. When posed with the script, he was adamant about the fact that if something happened to one of the opponents of the flyweight title fight between Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueosystemo at UFC 270. That he would be ready. enter the short game. watch out if he goes away with a win on Saturday night.

“That’s what I told Dana when I spoke to some of the media before coming here,” said Garbrandt. “On Monday morning, we can walk into the office and do some work.”

Cody Garbrandt is fighting a dangerous first fight in a new weight class

But the first requirement of the business was to beat the scales, get to the scales at the right time, and pass his first test at flyweight. A fight against a very dangerous boxer with knockout power in Kara-France. The New Zealander enters this fight after a knockout winning performance the night before Rogério Bontorin in March. The fight against Garbrandt is sure to be the biggest fight of his career.

Facing a young person who is hungry and given the opportunity of a lifetime is a tall order for a debut in a new weight class. But if Garbrandt’s demeanor at media day is any indication, he will enter the Octagon on Saturday night with his mind and body in place.

“I’m inspired by what’s coming on Saturday night. A new division, year-end, great card against a good opponent. A worthy competitor and I did everything I had to do to win this one. “

UFC 269 takes place on Saturday, December 11, 2021, live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Follow along with FanSided MMA, who is on-site, for all your news and highlights.