Former UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt made his return to the Octagon at UFC Atlanta, seeking to rebound from a previous loss against Deiveson Figueiredo. In this matchup, Garbrandt faced Brazilian fighter Raoni Barcelos, who aimed to secure the biggest victory of his career after winning his last two bouts against Cristian Quinonez and Payton Talbott.
The bantamweight clash kicked off with an energetic exchange. Garbrandt began working on the outside, while Barcelos found success with his powerful right hand. During a clinch, Barcelos attempted a trip takedown, but Garbrandt managed to stay on his feet. However, Barcelos did connect with a knee strike that left Garbrandt bloodied. As the first round progressed, Barcelos targeted Garbrandt’s legs with multiple low kicks, but Garbrandt fired back with a combination of right and left punches as the round neared its end. Despite Garbrandt's efforts, Barcelos attempted another takedown, which ultimately did not succeed.
In the second round, both fighters maintained their fast pace. Garbrandt continued circling around the ring, while Barcelos effectively utilized his leg kicks approximately 90 seconds into the round. Barcelos quickly shifted to a single-leg takedown attempt, but Garbrandt slipped out. The Brazilian fighter stayed persistent, and after a failed takedown attempt, he landed a knee strike that connected well. Barcelos showcased his striking skills, landing an uppercut to Garbrandt's body after pinning him against the fence. Although Garbrandt responded with a flurry of punches after escaping from the fence, Barcelos remained in control of much of the action.
Just before the end of the second round, Barcelos delivered a significant right hand that visibly hurt Garbrandt, raising questions about how compromised Garbrandt was as the fight entered its final round.
As the third round commenced, Barcelos wasted no time applying pressure. About 90 seconds in, his leg kick knocked Garbrandt off balance. Barcelos strategically took Garbrandt’s back along the fence, getting one hook in and then another, with nearly two minutes still left in the fight. Garbrandt needed a decisive finish at this point, but he managed to reverse the position and scramble away, suddenly shifting to an offensive stance. The crowd in the State Farm Arena erupted into a “Cody” chant, trying to rally their fighter. Despite Garbrandt's late push, he struggled to land significant strikes in the final moments.
After three intense rounds, the judges rendered their decision in favor of Raoni Barcelos, who won by unanimous decision with all scorecards reading 29-28.
Post-fight, Barcelos called out fellow bantamweight fighter Rob Font for his next challenge, indicating his desire to climb higher in the rankings.
Official Result: Raoni Barcelos def. Cody Garbrandt by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
