What. A. Fight.
While Dominick Cruz had been toying with 'meat head' Cody Garbrandt in the lead up to their title fight at UFC 207, the roles were reversed when the fight went down. Right from the off, the challenger was light on his feet, and sharp with his striking as he taunted the champion from the middle of the octagon.
Garbrandt undoubtedly had the better of the standup as he dropped Cruz on numerous occasions, twice opting to taunt instead of move in for the kill, but was correctly awarded the win via unanimous decision.
(If video doesn't play click through to twitter on mobile)
From unranked challenger to bantamweight champion of the world! What a year for @Cody_Nolove! ??? #UFC207 https://t.co/JFlVxGP8GA
— #UFC207 (@btsportufc) December 31, 2016
Class from the new champ @Cody_Nolove! ? #UFC207 https://t.co/nrvqLKOd0X
— #UFC207 (@btsportufc) December 31, 2016
Garbrandt giving props to Cruz.
& then:
"I'm the best in the world, so now anyone can come get it. TJ Dillashaw, come try me, motherf'er."— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 31, 2016
An outstanding performance by Cody Garbrandt. Everyone was aware of the threat his power posed to Cruz, but very few would have expected him to look as dominant and as comfortable as he did.
Earlier in the night, TJ Dillashaw convincingly dispatched of John Lineker before demanding a title shot, but he may regret admiting that he thought Cruz would win and aiming his call out towards the now former champ. He may also regret saying that if he wasn't give a title shot 'this shit is rigged', but we'll see if Dana lets that slide.
Cody Garbrandt is the new UFC bantamweight champion.
