UFC 250: Cody Garbrandt returns with devastating KO against bantamweight gatekeeper Raphael Assuncao
- Former champion Garbrandt leaves Assuncao face-down on the canvas and then falling off his stool after a stellar boxing performance
- ‘No Love’ says ‘it’s been a journey – I went from top of the world to a three-fight skid’
Former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt left veteran Raphael Assuncao face down on the canvas and then falling off his stool after a devastating second-round knockout at UFC 250 on Saturday.
“No Love” Garbrandt (12-3), who broke a three-fight losing streak, found the perfect counter punch against Assuncao (27-8) milliseconds before the five-minute bell.
The 28-year-old American immediately walked away with his arm raised as referee Keith Peterson waved the fight off after seeing Assuncao face down on the canvas.
Former bantamweight champion Garbrandt had not fought in over a year since losing to Pedro Munhoz and TJ Dillashaw twice.
“It feels amazing. It’s been a journey. I went from top of world, 11-0, world champ at 25 years old – to a three-fight skid. It’s been a dream. I wanna thank everybody for sticking with me, my new coaches in [New] Jersey.
The American had flirted with the idea of moving down to featherweight before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, but now seems fully focused on climbing back to the top in the 135-pound division.