“Like I’ve said before, I’ve visualized knocking that dude out since I was 16. When he was in the WEC, that’s a guy that I knew I was going to lock horns with and now it’s surreal it’s almost about to happen, so I’ve been getting ready for him mentally. Now, it’s just putting the physical camp in and getting the call… He’s a great fighter, but my style, I’ll knock him out 10 times out of 10. He’s trying to make a fight between me and Faber because he knows I would knock him out. I’m already in the champ’s head.”
-Cody Garbrandt talks about UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz after Cruz defeated his mentor and teammate Urijah Faber at UFC 199 (via FoxSports.com).
Penick’s Analysis: Garbrandt is closing in on an opportunity at that title, and if Cruz is still champion by then it will make for a great story and fight. Now, another really big potential Bantamweight Title fight for Garbrandt could be on the table if former teammate T.J. Dillashaw can regain the belt, because there’s been bad blood there at least on Garbrandt’s side since Dillashaw left Team Alpha Male. Dillashaw is likely to get his rematch with Cruz later this year if he can avenge his loss to Raphael Assuncao next month at UFC 200, so Garbrandt’s going to need to defeat a top contender in the meantime in order to line himself up for a 2017 shot at that belt.
[Photo (c) Joshua Dahl via USA Today Sports]
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