Morning Report: Cody Garbrandt Reveals Ongoing Complications With COVID-19, Targeting March Return

On Saturday night, UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo successfully defended his title with a first-round submission from Alex Perez. It was a dominant performance by the champion, but one that was really never meant to happen in the first place. Originally, Figueiredo was scheduled to face former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt, however, Garbrandt was forced out of the fight in October due to a bicep injury.

But that’s not all the bad luck that befell “No Love”. When Garbrandt was forced to retire from his title shot, he revealed that he also contracted COVID-19 prior to his injury and it affected his training. Even now, several months after catching the virus, Garbrandt says he is still feeling the effects.

On Twitter, Gabrandt reacted to the victory Figueiredo, saying he healed the Covid-19 but still wanted to face the champion.

And then in an Instagram story (quotes provided by MMAMania), Garbrandt revealed how COVID-19 had affected him.

“Disclaimer of my last post, I was positive for COVID on August 29th. Since then I have been struggling with vertigo, tore my vein in my biceps which found me to have blood clots, pneumonia and mental fog, these are the symptoms I have felt and treated and that’s the reason I pulled out of the fight. I didn’t do any media, but I would like to approach it on my own terms. “

When Garbrandt pulled out of the fight he was aiming for a return later in December in the cage, assuming his bicep injury had cooperated, but given his statements about recovery, that doesn’t seem likely. Actually speaking with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Garbrandt has targeted March 2021 for his return.

“Alex Perez was just someone they gave Figueiredo to bolster our fight,” Garbrandt said. “I hit this guy (Figueiredo) in the first or second round. I’ll be ready by March. “

Fortunately for Garbrandt, this schedule should work well for the UFC who has already booked Figueiredo for another title defense in just 21 days. Figueiredo will face his compatriot UFC 255 winner Brandon Moreno as the main event of UFC 256 next month.

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Results. Deiveson Figueiredo and Valentina Shevchenko retained their titles at UFC 255.

Revolve around. Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Brandon Moreno targeted for UFC 256.

Competitor. Dana White: Jessica Andrade “a real problem” for Valentina Shevchenko.

Retirement. Dana White: “Shogun” Rua “looked like a shell of his old self,” wants him to retire.

Damn. Petr Yan vs. Aljamain Sterling eliminated from UFC 256.

Continuing. Anderson Silva Takes UFC Exit, Says “Desire to Keep Doing What I Love”.

Hall of fame. Longtime combat sports regulator Marc Ratner has announced his entry into the UFC Hall of Fame.

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UFC 255 post-fight show.

UFC 255 post-fight presser.

Kayla Harrison is against weight reduction.

The fighters choose this weekend’s fight.

Free combat.

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On the next one. Matches to be played after UFC 255.

Severe MMA. Discuss UFC 255, Conor McGregor’s return and Bellator.

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Declaration.

Aljo.

I love it.

Frowning.

Ouch.

Frustration.

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Nate Andrews (16-3) against Goiti Yamauchi (25-4); Bellator 254, December 10.

Linton Vassel (20-8, 1 NC) vs. Ronny markes (19-7); Bellator 254, December 10.

Deiveson Figueiredo (20-1) vs. Brandon Moreno (18-5-1); UFC 256, December 12.

Tony Ferguson (25-4) c. Charles Oliveira (29-8); UFC 256, December 12.

Renato Moicano (14-3-1) c. Rafael Fiziev (8-1); UFC 256, December 12.

Andrea Lee (11-5) c. Gillian robertson (9-4); UFC 256, December 12.

Jose aldo (28-7) c. Marlon Vera (18-6-1); UFC Vegas 17, December 19.

Michel Pereira (24-11) c. Khaos williams (11-1); UFC Vegas 17, December 19.

Pedro Munhoz (18-5) c. Jimmie rivera (23-4); UFC Fight Night, January 30.

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Thanks for reading and see you tomorrow.

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