Cody Garbrandt beat Dominick Cruz for the UFC Banatmweight Championship at UFC 207.
In 2016, Dominick Cruz reclaimed his place at the top of the bantamweight division. Before Friday he had two title match victories, Cruz was heard throughout fight week talking about a “third championship in a year” meaning his fight with Cody Garbrandt would be his third victory in a championship match in 2016. The 21-1 Cruz's lone loss was to Garbrandt’s mentor Urijah Faber. Garbrandt came to Las Vegas in hopes of revenging his Team Alpha Male teammates with his devastating punching power. UFC 207 was Garbrandt’s chance to put his right hook to use to become champion.
Garbrandt would show patience early. He stayed competitive and even landed a takedown in the first round. Cruz pushed the action, causing Garbrandt to mostly react with counters. Garbrandt's eyelid was cut at the end of the 2nd round. In a wild exchange to open the third round, Garbrandt landed some heavy shots. Cruz was blooded from an accidental head butt. At this point Garbrandt would be pressing action and causing Cruz to react. Cruz got dropped three times in the fourth round. The final round saw Cruz continuing to angle and land shots, but he never put Garbrandt in danger.
Grabrandt wins via unanimous decision. The judges scorecards read 48-46,48-47,48-46. After the fight the two combatants would shake hands. Garbrandt reminded the audience he has wanted to be UFC champion since he was twelve-years-old. Garbrandt would call out former champion TJ Dillashaw who beat John Lineker earlier in the night. Dillashaw had made it known he wanted a title shot.
Fightful's viewing party for UFC 207 has play-by-play description for all fights.
