With an eventful 2023, the UFC aims to round off the year with a bang through UFC 296. An already-stacked main card, preceded by an impressive preliminary card, is all the fans can ask for. In which the former Bantamweight Champion Cody ‘No Love’ Garbrandt goes up against Brian ‘Boom’ Kelleher. The card takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Nevada on December 16, 2023, and the prelims are scheduled for 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Cody has been one of the game’s most entertaining and artistic strikers, having competed in both the UFC bantamweight and flyweight divisions. He made his debut at UFC 182 against Marcus Brimage, winning via TKO.
With a 5-fight win streak, the bantamweight fighter went on to defeat Dominick Cruz via unanimous decision for the title at UFC 207. Unfortunately, he lost five of his last seven bouts, including consecutive losses to former teammate T.J. Dillashaw.
This card just keeps getting better and better. 😏@Cody_NoLove vs @BrianBoom135 and @JoshEmmettUFC vs @Giga_Chikadze have been added to #UFC296! pic.twitter.com/o4H6Pk0kA4
— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2023
Brian Kelleher made his debut against Iuri Alcantara at UFC 212, winning via first-round submission. For his next 14 fights, he faced 7 losses and 7 wins, with the last two fights ending in first-round losses. His last fight was against Mario Bautista, ending in a first-round submission defeat. Both fighters would be looking for a win to gain momentum and chances to enter the top 10 rankings.
UFC 296: Cody Gabrandt vs Brian Kelleher stats
Stats | Cody Gabrandt | Brian Kelleher |
Wins | 13 | 24 |
Losses | 5 | 14 |
Height | 5’7″ | 5’6″ |
Division | Bantamweight | Bantamweight |
Reach | 65.4″ | 66.2″ |
Age | 32 | 37 |
Cody Garbrandt vs Brian Kelleher: Fight breakdown and prediction
Cody Garbandt has an MMA record of 13 wins and 5 losses. With 10 wins coming out of a knockout, he is expected to keep the same game plan on his feet. Known to be one of the most dynamic strikers, it has also been a cause for his downfall, with 4 out of his 5 losses coming out of knockout. After coming off an overall dominant win over Trevin Jones at UFC 285 via decision, it will boost his confidence.
Brian Kelleher, with an MMA record of 24 wins and 14 losses, has the experience required to gain an upset. With eight wins via knockout and 10 via submission, the 37-year-old seems to have multiple ways to victory.
With submission defense being his major concern after losing 8 out of his 14 fights with the same, he won’t be worried, for Cody has never been known for his submission attempts. The pace, precision, and footwork of Cody could be overwhelming for Brian.
With the timing and level changes, many believe Cody still has a chance to regain his former self and get into the title race. With an unquestionable talent and striking appearance, Garbrandt has faced difficulties with his fight IQ and in-octagon decisions. The skillsets and pedigree of ‘No Love’ can never be underestimated, and having fought a wide pool of talent gives him the upper edge too.