MMA Preview – Cody Garbrandt vs Pedro Munhoz at UFC 235
AT A GLANCE
When is UFC 235? Sunday 3rd March, 2019 – 03:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 235? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada
What channel is UFC 235 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC 235? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT website
Are tickets still available for UFC 235? http://uk.ufc.com/event-ticket-info?utm_source=ufc&utm_medium=tab&utm_campaign=tickets
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
Cody Garbrandt makes his long-awaited return after two crushing defeats to arch-rival and champion, TJ Dillashaw. These were the first two losses of his career and this fight will be a huge test of character to see how he bounces back from two high-profile knockouts.
Garbrandt blitzed his way through the bantamweight division by erasing contenders with his hands, and his exciting style earned him a title shot but it was his fight with Dominick Cruz that confirmed he was part of the elite. Cruz was struggling with injuries as always but Garbrandt put on a clinic and beat him at his own game.
Garbrandt needs to show that form to get past Pedro Munhoz. The Brazilian is a very dangerous opponent and only lost once in seven fights. After losing a tight decision to John Dodson, he convincingly beat Brett Johns and dispatched Bryan Caraway in his last fight.
THE PREDICTION
Garbrandt needs to approach this fight the same way he approached Cruz and that is to stick to a game plan and be patient. In his fights with Dillashaw, there was too much emotion involved and his hunting of the knockout left him vulnerable.
If he shows any vulnerability, Munhoz will exploit it. He is dangerous on the feet but he will wait for any opportunity to get the fight to the floor where Garbrandt is unproven.
Garbrandt should be refreshed after his time off and as long as he respects the skillset of Munhoz, his boxing should be too crisp, too quick and too powerful which may lead to a vintage knockout.
Winner: Garbrandt via KO/TKO
Striking and grappling stats sourced via FightMetric
