MMA Knockout

Ex-UFC champ’s big comeback ends in major letdown

Zain Bando

Jeff Bottari-Zuffa LLC

Raoni Barcelos earned a unanimous decision over Cody Garbrandt Saturday night at UFC Atlanta, extending his win streak to three in a row and four of his last seven outings.

Garbrandt has lost his last two fights, as it was the Ohio native's first bout since last April at UFC 300. It was Barcelos's biggest win of his career to date, as he seeks out fellow contender Rob Font at some point down the line.

The fight marked one of a handful of former champions set to compete on the card, joining the likes of Rose Namajunas and Kamaru Usman Saturday night.

Garbrandt didn't find the KO sho
Apr 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Cody Garbrandt during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Cody Garbrandt faces back-to-back losses after UFC Atlanta disappointment

Round 1 saw the former UFC Bantamweight Champion in Garbrandt utilize his crisp boxing technique to throw off Raoni Barcelos and stuff all but one takedown. Although Garbrandt couldn't find a finish, he was able to gain early confidence.

However, things didn't translate into Round 2 for Garbrandt. Barcelos tried to get back to his wrestling base, and although he couldn't get "No Love" to the floor, knees to the body briefly stunned Garbrandt but Garbrandt was able to circle appropriately.

READ MORE: UFC fighter accused of faking KO before trying to grapple referee

As the clock ticked below 1:30, a Barcelos right hand saw Garbrandt get caught off-balance, but nothing that screamed a fight-ending sequence. Twenty seconds left, Garbrandt was backed up against the fence as a combination rocked the long-time veteran in the closing sequence.

Round 3 was much of the same as the second. Garbrandt was tentative and didn't take any massive risks. Both men sprawled on the ground as Barcelos attempted to take Garbrandt's back.

Raoni Barcelos's Movement Was Too Much For "No Love"

Barcelos was the fresher fighte
Jan 18, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Raoni Barcelos (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Payton Talbott (not pictured) during UFC 311 at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

With plenty of time to work, Barcelos attempted to secure a rear-naked choke before Garbrandt could find his rhythm, scramble, and get back to his feet.

Garbrandt outstruck Barcelos in Round 1, but the later two rounds were far less active for the former champion. As such, Barcelos took a unanimous decision.

Both men's careers are going in opposite directions, but it is unclear where Garbrandt's career progresses from here.

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Zain Bando
ZAIN BANDO

Zain Bando is a writer & columnist for Gameday Media's MMA Knockout, expanding his portfolio as a Staff Writer for Dallas Wings On SI with previous in-network contributions around the echosystem. Outside of covering fights, Bando's background includes Big Ten football and men's basketball with leans toward Illinois and Northwestern with a broader league view for bylines including The Sporting News, FanSided, Men's Journal and others since 2019. Bando can be reached at zainbando99@gmail.com or via his social media accounts @zainbando99.

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