It’s no secret that Cody Garbrandt didn’t have the easiest upbringing, but until now no one knew just how hard growing up was for the former UFC bantamweight champion.

In a candid interview with I Am Second, Garbrandt opened up about his tumultuous childhood, how he grew up fighting, and how he almost committed suicide as a teenager but was stopped by his big brother Zach.

“There’s a part of the story where Zach came and intervened in my life, where I wanted to give up,” Garbrandt said. “I was a teenager, I think I was a senior in high school, I wanted to become a state champion again. I won state as a freshman [but] I got beat as a sophomore [and] I was injured as a junior. Wrestling was something I did my whole entire life and I think losing the passion for that, I didn’t have any drive. I just felt unaccomplished and I got in with the wrong crowd and started doing some drugs and partying and kind of living super carelessly and it almost consumed my life. I felt like my road was running to an end.

“For a while, I wasn’t who I was. I was in a very dark place, a very very dark place and almost hung myself. My brother came in the door and he saved my life. It’s the first time talking about it but I’ve never been more grateful for him. He came in and busted down the door and gave me the biggest hug and sat there with me and cried with me and said everything was gonna be all right. That was the day that really was a changing point for me and my life as well.”

After the near tragedy, Garbrandt went on to place fifth in the national wrestling tournament his senior year. Garbrandt then briefly attended Notre Dame College before dropping out to pursue a full-time career in MMA. He won the UFC bantamweight title by taking a unanimous decision over Dominick Cruz at UFC 207 but lost it to rival T.J. Dillashaw at UFC 217. His most recent fight was a rematch with Dillashaw at UFC 227 where Dillashaw was once again victorious.

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MUST-READ STORIES

It’s on!. Cris Cyborg vs. Amanda Nunes set for UFC 232.

Statement. Andrea Lee releases statement on her husband being charged with domestic violence.

He’s back. Michael Chandler re-signs with Bellator.

Poster. UFC 229 poster released for Khabib vs. McGregor event.

Sanctions. Contender Series fighters Anthony Hernandez, Jordan Williams sanctioned for failing drug tests.

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VIDEO STEW

The MMA Fighting Live Chat.

Breaking down Ronda’s body language.

Chandler on why he re-signed with Bellator.

Perry on fighting Cerrone.

Rawlings discussing the upcoming Bare Knuckle.

Thank God we have MMA experts like Mikey Garcia.

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LISTEN UP

Heavy Hands. Previewing UFC Lincoln and Justin Gaethje vs. James Vick.

Fights Gone By. Discussing UFC Lincoln, Bellator 204 and Marvin Hagler.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Gonna be fire.

Statement.

This is some kind of poster.

USADA hounding Yoel.

Bobby Knux in Colorado.

Till putting in a lot of time at the UFC PI. Trying to get that weight down.

Max hinting at a return.

Calling for a shot.

Ruthless.

Ummmmm.

That’s rough.

Boss Logic’s poster for 229.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Cezar Ferreira (13-6) vs. Tom Breese (11-1); UFC Bueno Aires, Nov. 17.

Cris Cyborg (20-1, 1 NC) vs. Amanda Nunes (16-4); UFC 232, Dec. 29.

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TODAY IN MMA HISTORY

2014: Michael Bisping knocked out Cung Le in what became the final fight of Le’s career at UFC Fight Night 48. This event also saw the UFC debut of future interim champion Colby Covington.

Also this day, at UFC Fight Night 49, Rafael dos Anjos knocked out Benson Henderson with a flying knee and follow up punches.

2015: Max Holloway took an odd stoppage over Charles Oliveira when “Do Bronx” suffered a throat injury early in the first round.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

If you are having thoughts of suicide, please seek help.

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.

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EXIT POLL

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