Cody Brundage is a name that has been gaining traction in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) in recent years. Known for his explosive fighting style, strong wrestling background, and relentless pursuit of victory, Brundage has captured the attention of MMA fans, analysts, and professionals alike. His journey through the competitive ranks of MMA has been marked by perseverance, dedication, and a constant drive to improve. This article takes an in-depth look at Cody Brundage’s early life, career trajectory, fighting style, notable performances, and what the future holds for this promising UFC fighter.

Early Life and Introduction to Martial Arts

Cody Brundage was born on January 29, 1994, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Growing up in a small town, he was introduced to sports at an early age, with wrestling quickly becoming his primary passion. His competitive spirit and natural athleticism led him to participate in various sports, but it was wrestling that laid the foundation for his future in combat sports. 

Brundage’s family was supportive of his athletic pursuits, and he found success on the high school wrestling circuit, which ultimately propelled him to pursue the sport at a collegiate level. Wrestling taught him discipline, work ethic, and the importance of conditioning traits that would later become pivotal in his MMA career.

Wrestling Career

Brundage’s wrestling career began to flourish during his high school years, where he became a standout competitor. His success on the mats earned him a scholarship to compete in college, where he wrestled at the University of Northern Colorado. Brundage’s background in wrestling has been fundamental in shaping his overall MMA skills. Wrestling provides fighters with a strong base in terms of takedowns, control, and defense skills that are critical to success in MMA.

During his time at the University of Northern Colorado, Brundage honed his technique and developed the tenacity that would later become his trademark inside the octagon. His wrestling prowess, combined with his burgeoning passion for MMA, led him to eventually transition from the mat to mixed martial arts.

Transition to Mixed Martial Arts

Cody Brundage made his transition into mixed martial arts in 2017, quickly finding success in the regional circuits. His background in wrestling gave him a distinct advantage, and he was able to control opponents both on the ground and in clinch situations. Brundage’s initial success in MMA came through a series of dominant performances, where his wrestling and evolving striking game set him apart.

His determination to develop as a well-rounded fighter led him to explore other aspects of MMA, including striking and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As his skills progressed, he began to gain recognition in the competitive MMA scene, and it was clear that his potential was substantial. Brundage’s aggressive fighting style, combined with his wrestling pedigree, made him a formidable opponent for anyone in the cage.

Joining the UFC

In 2021, after building a solid record in regional promotions, Cody Brundage earned a call-up to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the premier organization in mixed martial arts. His entry into the UFC was a significant step in his career, marking the transition to the big leagues. Brundage’s UFC debut came on June 26, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Volkov, where he faced the tough and seasoned fighter, William Knight.

While Brundage didn’t win his debut fight, the experience was invaluable. It exposed him to the highest level of competition and gave him insights into the adjustments he needed to make in order to compete at the top of the sport. His debut may not have been a victory, but it was a learning experience that would fuel his growth in the UFC.

UFC Career: The Road to Recognition

First UFC Victory: Brundage vs. Dolce Cody Brundage’s first UFC win came on October 9, 2021, when he faced off against the experienced fighter, Dalcha Lungiambula, at UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Rodriguez. This fight marked a pivotal moment in Brundage’s UFC career, as he was able to secure a second-round submission victory via rear-naked choke. The victory showcased Brundage’s growth as an all-around fighter, highlighting his evolution from a strong wrestler to a dynamic submission specialist.

The win solidified Brundage’s place in the UFC, and it proved that he could compete with some of the best talent in the world. The performance also gave Brundage the confidence he needed to continue his development and pursue greater success in the UFC’s competitive middleweight division.

Key Fights and Performances

Cody Brundage’s journey in the UFC has been marked by key victories and hard-fought battles. His performances in the octagon have shown fans and analysts that he possesses a wealth of potential and has the tools to succeed in the UFC. Brundage’s mix of wrestling, pressure, and evolving striking continues to be his key strengths as he moves forward in his career.

One of Brundage’s defining attributes is his ability to learn from his mistakes and improve. He’s made adjustments to his fighting style after each loss and used the experience to grow as a fighter. His willingness to embrace both victories and setbacks is a testament to his commitment to continuous development.

Fighting Style: A Strong Wrestler with Growing Versatility

Cody Brundage’s fighting style is characterized by his strong wrestling background, aggressive clinch work, and relentless pace. His approach to MMA reflects his background as a wrestler, but he has worked hard to expand his skill set to become a well-rounded fighter.

Wrestling Foundation: Brundage’s wrestling is the backbone of his fighting style. His takedown defense is solid, and he uses his wrestling to dictate where the fight takes place. Whether he’s pressing his opponents against the cage or taking them down to the mat, Brundage excels at controlling the pace of the fight through his grappling. His takedowns are crisp, and his ability to chain them together makes him a dangerous opponent in the clinch.

Striking Development: While Brundage is primarily known for his wrestling, he has steadily developed his striking game. His punches, kicks, and overall stand-up game have improved with each fight, allowing him to better compete on the feet with high-level opponents. His pressure-heavy style forces opponents to fight at his pace, often leading them into uncomfortable positions where he can capitalize with his wrestling or clinch work.

Submissions and BJJ: Although Cody Brundage is not primarily known for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), his grappling has improved over time. He has showcased solid submission skills, as demonstrated in his UFC victory against Dalcha Lungiambula, where he secured a rear-naked choke finish. As he continues to sharpen his skills in this area, Brundage could develop into a more well-rounded submission threat, further enhancing his value in the UFC’s middleweight division.

Notable Fights and Rivalries

Brundage vs. William Knight: One of the most talked-about fights in Brundage’s career came during his UFC debut against William Knight. While he lost the fight via a unanimous decision, the experience helped Brundage gain insight into the level of competition required to succeed in the UFC. Despite the setback, Brundage learned valuable lessons that helped him bounce back stronger in his subsequent fights.

Brundage vs. Dalcha Lungiambula: As previously mentioned, Brundage secured his first UFC victory against Dalcha Lungiambula in October 2021. The win was significant not only because it marked his first UFC win but also because it showcased Brundage’s ability to close out a fight via submission, something he had worked diligently to improve.

Brundage vs. Others in the Middleweight Division: Looking ahead, Cody Brundage has the potential to face some of the top names in the middleweight division. With his evolving skill set and his dedication to improving his craft, he could soon find himself in a position to challenge for a spot in the upper echelons of the division.

The Future of Cody Brundage

Cody Brundage is still in the early stages of his UFC career, but the trajectory is clear: he has the potential to make a significant impact in the middleweight division. His wrestling, grappling, and willingness to learn and adapt are qualities that could propel him to the upper ranks in the future. While it’s impossible to predict exactly how his career will unfold, Brundage has the drive, talent, and work ethic to become a fixture in the UFC for years to come.

Potential Fight Predictions: As Brundage continues to grow as a fighter, his potential matchups in the UFC could see him face opponents who will test his skills in both striking and grappling. Fighters such as Jack Hermansson, Derek Brunson, and Chris Curtis could present interesting challenges for Brundage, providing opportunities for him to showcase his evolving abilities on the big stage.

FAQs

When is Cody Brundage’s next fight?

Cody Brundage’s next fight is scheduled for UFC Fight Night on May 11, 2025, where he will be facing Abdul Razak Alhassan. The matchup is expected to be a striking-heavy contest, given Alhassan’s knockout power and Brundage’s aggressive style.

What fighting style does Cody Brundage use?

Cody Brundage primarily comes from a wrestling background, but he also incorporates striking and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into his fighting style. He often looks to use his wrestling to control opponents on the ground and apply pressure throughout the fight.

Is Cody Brundage related to Amanda Brundage?

Cody Brundage is married to Amanda Brundage (formerly Amanda Cooper), who is also a professional mixed martial artist and a veteran of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) and the UFC. The couple is known within the MMA community and shares a deep passion for the sport.

How did Cody Brundage start his MMA career?

Cody Brundage began his athletic career as a standout collegiate wrestler at Newberry College, an NCAA Division II program. After graduating, he transitioned into MMA, making his amateur debut in 2017 and turning professional in 2019. He gained early attention through Dana White’s Contender Series, which helped him break into the UFC.

What’s next for Cody Brundage’s UFC career?

Cody Brundage is looking to build momentum in 2025 after a string of competitive performances. A win in his upcoming fight against Abdul Razak Alhassan could put him on track for more high-profile matchups or even break into the middleweight rankings. He’s seen as a dangerous fight for anyone in the division due to his toughness and grappling skills.

In Summary

Cody Brundage represents the new wave of tough, well-rounded fighters in the UFC. With a strong wrestling foundation, a never-back-down mentality, and a growing skill set in striking and submissions, he continues to evolve with every fight. Whether he’s grinding out a gritty win or stepping in on short notice, Brundage brings excitement and intensity to the cage. As he looks to climb the middleweight ladder in 2025, fans can expect more action-packed performances and a fighter who’s always ready to leave it all in the octagon. Keep watching Cody Brundage just getting started.

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