Cody Garbrandt

Cody Garbrandt is an American professional mixed martial artist and former UFC Bantamweight Champion. He is famous for his striking prowess and for his 2016 upset victory over Dominick Cruz to win the bantamweight title. Garbrandt has remained a fixture in the bantamweight division's top ranks, known for his willingness to face any opponent. As of 2026, he continues to compete in the UFC, training at Team Alpha Male in Sacramento. Fans connect with Garbrandt due to his raw honesty about personal struggles, including his autoimmune disease, which he manages through diet and lifestyle changes.[edit]

Cody Ray Allen Garbrandt was born on July 7, 1991, in Uhrichville, Ohio, a small town nestled in the eastern part of the United States. His early life was marked by significant challenges, as his mother struggled with drug addiction. Consequently, Garbrandt was largely raised by his grandparents, who provided a crucial sense of structure and discipline. Growing up, he gravitated towards wrestling, where he quickly found his footing and excelled. At Claymont High School, he became a standout athlete, earning the title of a two-time Ohio state champion with an impressive 122-14 record. Beyond the wrestling mats, he also showcased his athleticism on the football field during his high school years.

After graduating, Garbrandt received a wrestling scholarship to the University of the Cumberlands. However, his tenure there was brief; he left after just one year, driven by a clear ambition to pursue mixed martial arts (MMA) full-time. This pivotal decision marked his transition from a decorated amateur wrestling career to developing a comprehensive fighting style that would eventually include a devastating striking game. To further his MMA aspirations, Garbrandt made a significant move by joining Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, where he honed his skills under the tutelage of renowned coach Urijah Faber. He officially turned professional in 2012, quickly making an impact by racking up five first-round knockouts across various regional promotions, an electrifying start that soon caught the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.[edit]

Garbrandt made his UFC debut in January 2015, stopping Marcus Brimage in the second round. He quickly built a reputation for knockout power, starching Thomas Almeida with a first-round KO in May 2016 and flattening Takeya Mizugaki in 33 seconds that August. The breakthrough came at UFC 207 in December 2016, when he outclassed the longtime champion Dominick Cruz over five rounds to win the bantamweight title. His performance was a striking clinic, landing crisp counterpunches while neutralizing Cruz's movement. The title was short-lived: in his first defense at UFC 217, he was knocked out by T.J. Dillashaw in the second round. A rematch at UFC 227 ended even quicker, with Dillashaw winning by first-round TKO. Garbrandt then moved to flyweight, challenging Deiveson Figueiredo for the title in November 2020 but losing by submission. He returned to bantamweight and had a rocky stretch, but has rebounded with wins over Trevin Jones (2022) and Brian Kelleher (2023), and most recently a decision over Miles Johns in 2025. As of 2026, he remains a ranked contender.[edit]

Garbrandt is known for his explosive, fan-friendly style built around fast hands and knockout power. His nickname "No Love" and the accompanying hand sign, a heart with a line through it, have become his signature. Media coverage often highlights his resilience, both in the cage and in personal life, particularly his battles with an autoimmune disease and his mother's addiction. On social media, he comes across as emotional and motivational, sharing training clips, family moments, and candid reflections. Fans admire his authenticity and his willingness to fight anyone, which has earned him a loyal following even during losing streaks.[edit]

Cody Garbrandt, the former UFC bantamweight champion, has been evaluated by iFANN's Global Fame Engine but does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings. As of August 2026, he is not listed among the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list, meaning his fame, while significant within MMA circles, hasn't translated into a position in iFANN's worldwide or regional rankings. This is a neutral observation, not a judgment on his impact inside the octagon.

His fanbase has no formal name. There's no documented fandom title, no organized fan club, and no notable fan campaigns or charity drives associated with his name. Instead, his supporters are a loose, passionate community of MMA enthusiasts who rally around his nickname and his fighting spirit. They engage with him primarily through social media, where his handle @Cody_Nolove reinforces his brand, and they follow his training, his family moments, and his candid reflections on the sport. The absence of a structured fandom doesn't diminish their loyalty; it's simply that Garbrandt's appeal is more personal and direct, built on his authenticity and his willingness to share his struggles and triumphs.[edit]

Cody Garbrandt's nickname "No Love" originated from a childhood taunt after a girl rejected him, and he turned it into a brand. He's a close friend and former teammate of Urijah Faber. In high school, he wrestled at 125 pounds, but now fights at 135. He has a tattoo of a lion on his chest, symbolizing his fighting spirit. Garbrandt is an avid hunter and fisherman, often posting outdoor trips on social media. He once missed weight for a flyweight fight due to complications from his autoimmune disease, which causes inflammation and fatigue.

One of the most retold stories from his career is his meteoric rise to the UFC bantamweight title, a victory that remains a defining moment for fans. However, the most recent lore centers on his dramatic knockout loss to Adrian Yanez at UFC 329, a faceplant that went viral and led to retirement hints. Another notable moment was his "bizarre" unanimous decision win over Xiao Long at UFC 326, despite multiple low blows, a fight he later reflected on. Additionally, fans buzz about a potential matchup with Sean O'Malley, which Garbrandt revealed was in the works.[edit]

Garbrandt's mother battled drug addiction throughout his childhood, and he has spoken openly about the pain that caused. His grandparents stepped in to raise him. He has a younger brother, though little is publicly known about him. Garbrandt was married to Danielle Garbrandt from around 2019 until their divorce in 2022. They have a son, Kaison, born in 2020, whom Garbrandt co-parents. He often posts about Kaison on social media, calling him his biggest motivation. He does not have any publicly reported pets.[edit]

Garbrandt is closely associated with Urijah Faber, his mentor and longtime teammate at Team Alpha Male. His most intense rivalries are with T.J. Dillashaw, who defeated him twice for the bantamweight title, and Dominick Cruz, whom he beat for the championship. He has also fought Deiveson Figueiredo twice, once at flyweight and once at bantamweight.[edit]

Garbrandt was married to Danielle Garbrandt, with the marriage reportedly starting around 2019. They had a son, Kaison, in 2020. The couple divorced by 2022, though they have remained amicable and co-parent their son. As of 2026, Garbrandt is single and has not been publicly linked to anyone. He appears focused on his career and family.[edit]

As of 2026, iFANN's editorial research estimates Cody Garbrandt's net worth at $2 million. His primary income comes from UFC fight purses. For his title win against Dominick Cruz, he earned a disclosed $100,000 base salary plus a $50,000 win bonus. Subsequent fights have seen his pay rise to between $100,000 and $200,000 per bout, not including pay-per-view points. He also earns from sponsorship deals, including a past Reebok uniform deal and endorsements with Monster Energy and other MMA brands. Garbrandt has not publicly launched any major business ventures or reported significant real estate holdings, so his wealth is largely tied to his fighting career.[edit]

Garbrandt won the UFC Bantamweight Championship in 2016, defeating Dominick Cruz. He has also earned three Performance of the Night bonuses for knockouts of Thomas Almeida, Takeya Mizugaki, and Trevin Jones, and one Fight of the Night bonus for his bout with Raphael Assuncao.[edit]