Cody Garbrandt on His Intense Rivalry with TJ Dillashaw

In a recent episode of the JAXXON Podcast, hosted by Rampage Jackson and others, Cody Garbrandt delves into the deeply personal and professional rivalry with TJ Dillashaw. Garbrandt reflects on the history of their conflict, which stems from their time as training partners at Team Alpha Male. The tension escalated when Dillashaw left the team, creating a rift that fueled their subsequent fights. Garbrandt discusses how this betrayal shaped his mindset, turning their matchups into more than just professional bouts but personal vendettas. Around the 5:30 mark, he elaborates on the emotional weight of facing someone he once considered a teammate, highlighting the bitterness that lingered through their encounters in the UFC.

Breaking Down the Fights with Dillashaw

Garbrandt provides a detailed breakdown of his two fights against Dillashaw, both of which resulted in losses for him. He recalls the first bout at UFC 217 in 2017, where he lost the bantamweight title, admitting that his emotions got the better of him. At approximately the 12:45 timestamp, he analyzes specific moments where he felt he had opportunities to win but failed to capitalize due to strategic errors. The rematch at UFC 227 in 2018 is also dissected, with Garbrandt acknowledging Dillashaw's technical prowess and preparation. He expresses respect for Dillashaw’s skills while emphasizing his own determination to learn from those defeats and grow as a fighter.

Looking Ahead to His Next Fight

Shifting focus to his future in the octagon, Garbrandt shares insights into his upcoming fight plans during the conversation around the 20:10 mark. While specific opponents are not named in the discussion, he expresses a strong desire to reclaim his standing in the bantamweight division. He talks about the adjustments he’s made in training, focusing on mental resilience and tactical improvements. Garbrandt’s hunger to return to the top is evident as he discusses the importance of staying disciplined and avoiding the pitfalls of past emotional decisions in the cage.

What Keeps Garbrandt Motivated

Towards the latter part of the episode, near the 28:00 point, Garbrandt opens up about the driving forces behind his continued passion for mixed martial arts. He speaks candidly about his family, particularly the role they play in keeping him grounded and motivated. Overcoming personal and professional setbacks has only strengthened his resolve, as he aims to prove to himself and his supporters that he can return to championship form. His discussion reveals a fighter who is not only battling opponents in the ring but also personal demons and past disappointments, using them as fuel to push forward in his career.