Garbrandt On UFC 217 Loss To Dillashaw

Even though he may have taken the loss at UFC 217, Cody Garbrandt is grateful for the loss to rival and former teammate T.J. Dillashaw.

“That’s what made me a world champion,” Garbrandt said. “That’s why I was so — after T.J., hats off to T.J., congrats to you. I’m thankful for that. I’m thankful that I was able to win the world title at a young age, I’m thankful that I was able to lose it at a young age. Because I was already good before that and this is what’s going to make me great. I’ve always learned so much from my losses.”

The two will face off one more time at UFC 227 on August 4th, and almost did not happen because of Dillashaw politicking for a shot at UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson for UFC 226 in July.

Garbrandt and Dillashaw almost fought at UFC 222, following Max Holloway’s injury, but Dillshaw would put the kibosh on the deal, even with Garbrandt offering part of his purse for the fight.

“I was walking out of the Octagon, I remember saying, ‘I’m going to remember everything about this,’” Garbrandt said. “Everything about this walk back, without my belt. T.J. getting in my face after I was knocked out. I know damn well that dude would never, ever do that if there wasn’t that referee in there. Never, ever.

“He’s a coward. That’s it. He wanted to act like that, he’s not a real champion. Getting in my face like that, flexing on my coaches, I’m going to remember all that and that’s what motivates me in training. So I’m going to get that one back for everybody.”

Even though there is animosity, Garbrandt is “excited to be able to run it back.”

“We did the press conference, he looked like he brushed up on his s*** talking. That’s why I said to him after, ‘Hey man, looks like you worked on your s*** talking.’ He’s like, ‘It’s business, man.’ He wouldn’t even look at me, he’s such a coward.