“Money Talks”: Cody Garbrandt Is Eyeing a New UFC Contract Will He Leave or Remain?
The world is watching as Cody Garbrandt’s future is in jeopardy. The current UFC contract of the former Bantamweight Champion is about to expire, and he must make a big decision. Garbrandt’s final bout is slated for November 9 at UFC Fight Night 247, when he will take on rising contender Mile Johns. This fight might determine whether he stays in the octagon or not. The main question is: Will Cody “No Love” Garbrandt continue to work for the UFC or go after greater income elsewhere?
Contract Drama: The Fight Before the Fight
There are enormous stakes for Garbrandt. His record is mixed, going 2-3 in his previous five fights, including a devastating submission loss at UFC 300 to Deiveson Figueiredo. That doesn’t, however, lessen his star power. Garbrandt is still in high demand despite his title as a former champion being permanently inscribed in UFC history.
“Money talks, but I love the UFC,” Garbrandt said in an honest and candid interview with the Jaxxon Podcast. Undoubtedly, Garbrandt is keeping his cards close to his breast because the UFC wants to keep him. Would a different promotion provide him a bigger salary? ONE Championship? Bellator? PFL? Both the options and the suspense are extensive.
“This is my final match under contract. I need to meet with them (UFC) and see what ideas we can brainstorm. Garbrandt continued, “I’m keeping my options open, but I’d love to resign. I may look into free agency.”
The Burden of Legacy: Seeking Contentment Above and Beyond the Belt
Although contract negotiations make news, Garbrandt has reasons other than money. He is searching for fulfilment, which is considerably more elusive than money. Even though he had already defeated the great Dominick Cruz to win the bantamweight gold, Garbrandt acknowledges he was never really happy with his win.
“It’s about not being satisfied, for me,” admitted Garbrandt. After I won the title, I asked myself, “Is that it? I had been focused on it for a very long time, and even though I eventually succeeded, I didn’t feel the satisfaction I had anticipated.
Garbrandt is motivated by a desire for personal fulfilment as he looks to win another championship before maybe retiring. Though time is of the essence, he is determined to give it his all. Garbrandt, 33, is aware of how harsh the fighting game can be. Time, losses, and injuries are constantly there but hidden.
A Glimmer of Hope: How Much Time Is Left For Him?
Garbrandt has declared in the open that he intends to continue competing for the next five to eight years. That’s a hopeful outlook, but in a combat sport like mixed martial arts, nothing is certain. Fighters have seen sudden career endings from injuries or consecutive defeats. No one knows this better than Garbrandt.
November could be the last chapter in his career. If he defeats Johns, his career might be rekindled and he might sign a big contract extension with the UFC; alternatively, he might decide to start over in a different gym. But a setback might make things more difficult and force him to reevaluate his entire future.
There are a lot of ups and downs in the fight business, and Garbrandt’s path has included both. But he never wavers from his determination, focus, and most importantly, hunger.
Will Garbrandt Look for New Opportunities or Remain in the UFC?
There’s a tangible sense of curiosity about Garbrandt’s next move. Although his heart is in the UFC, his money may have other ideas. Many fighters struggle with the conflict between legacy, fulfilment, and money, but in Garbrandt’s case, the stakes seem much higher. This is about protecting his future, finding fulfilment, and leaving a lasting legacy—it’s not simply about another fight or salary.
The entire world is awaiting Cody Garbrandt’s choice. Also, as he put it so well, “Money talks.”
