Cody Garbrandt releases statement following UFC Vegas 27 loss: ‘I’m trying to fight my heart out for you guys’

Cody Garbrandt has a message for his fans after taking his fourth loss in his past five fights.

The former bantamweight champion lost a unanimous decision to Rob Font in the main event of UFC Vegas 27 on Saturday, going the distance but being soundly out-struck by his fellow contender. It was the first loss for Garbrandt on the scorecards.

Garbrandt, who saw his record fall to 12-4 with the loss, took to social media on Sunday to speak directly to his fans. In the clip below (uploaded to YouTube by Current MMA), Garbrandt appears to nearly be in tears as he delivers his message:

“Rob was the better man today,” Garbrandt said.” I just feel like I was fighting myself in there, battling myself, and I’m not taking anything away from him, congrats on his camp. First and foremost, thank God for keeping us both safe in there. A lot of positives come from this, brush it off, and get back with my coaches and teammates. We’re still striving to be the best and be the world champion. Sometimes there’s adversity that comes along in your dreams and makes you work harder, makes you realize what needs to be done, and makes it that much sweeter climbing up the mountain.”

“I’m just really thankful,” he continued. “I wanted to come on here and just tell you guys how much I appreciate and love your support. It’s very appreciated. I’m trying to fight my heart out for you guys. Thank you.”

Garbandt also shared a picture of himself with Font along with a congratulatory message.

Prior to Saturday’s defeat, Garbrandt snapped a three-fight skid with a highlight-reel KO of Raphael Assuncao at UFC 250 in June of last year. An injury kept Garbrandt from capitalizing on that victory, a setback that also prevented him from dropping down to 125 pounds to challenge flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 255. He also tested positive for COVID-19, which kept him out of action for even longer.

Garbrandt began his pro career with 11 consecutive victories. He has now lost to Font, Pedro Munhoz, and rival T.J. Dillashaw (twice).