MMA Preview – Cody Garbrandt vs Brian Kelleher at UFC 296
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CODY GARBRANDT VS BRIAN KELLEHER FACTS
When is UFC 296? Saturday 16th December, 2023 - 23:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 296? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 296? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 296
What channel is UFC 296 on? TNT Sports Box Office (£19.99 – main card)
Where can I stream UFC 296? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
CODY GARBRANDT VS BRIAN KELLEHER LOWDOWN
After one of the most impressive performances we have ever seen at bantamweight when Cody Garbrandt (13-5) outpointed Dominick Cruz (2016) to become the champion, he suffered quite the fall from grace losing four of his next five fights. That led to him trying his hand down at flyweight only to get knocked out by Kai Kara-France (2021). However, he went back up to 135 lbs at UFC 285 and picked up a much-needed win by earning a unanimous decision over Trevin Jones (2023).
Now, he takes on Brian Kelleher (24-14) who has not won in nearly two years and not fought since June last year as he recovered from neck surgery. That win was a unanimous decision over Kevin Croom (2022) who is no longer in the UFC. He was then handed an incredibly tough fight in the form of Umar Nurmagomedov (2022) who made light work of him with a first round submission. Then disappointingly, he suffered the same fate against Mario Bautista three months later.
CODY GARBRANDT VS BRIAN KELLEHER PREDICTION
Main events seem like a distant memory for Garbrandt now, but this is an important fight for him. A vintage knockout will keep him relevant, but a lacklustre performance and loss will keep him on the prelims.
Kelleher is a dangerous finisher, but he has clear weaknesses and is recovering from a serious neck injury. As long as Garbrandt can protect his damaged chin, he has the skill, speed and power to make light work of Kelleher on the feet.
If this spills out into a brawl, we can see Kelleher rocking Garbrandt leading to a knockout or submission. However, we expect Garbrandt to play it smart by using his footwork to pepper Kelleher on the feet and mix in the takedowns.
If Garbrandt is on, he can find a knockout, but if he is sloppy, he chin will cave in. We expect him to play it safe and grind out a decision with his wrestling, but a Kelleher knockout is worth a small punt.
Prediction: Garbrandt via Decision
Value bet: Kelleher via KO/TKO
