Garbrandt still recovering from COVID-19, eyes Figueiredo in March
Cody Garbrandt is still recovering from COVID-19 after testing positive for the virus three months ago, but he expects to be ready to challenge Deiveson Figueiredo for the UFC flyweight title in March.
"I'm excited for this fight," Garbrandt told ESPN's Brett Okamoto.
The former bantamweight champion was scheduled to face Figueiredo in his flyweight debut at UFC 255 on Nov. 21, but he withdrew in early October.
At the time, the 29-year-old said it was due to a torn biceps, but he's since said it was because of a torn vein in his arm caused by a blood clot. The clot was likely the result of COVID-19, which is known to thicken a person's blood, physicians told Garbrandt.
"No Love" said he also suffered from vertigo, fatigue, and body aches. His condition has improved, though, as he hasn't experienced vertigo since the second week of November. Garbrandt is still taking medication for the blood clots.
Garbrandt, who hasn't stepped into the Octagon since a knockout win over Raphael Assuncao in June, wants to return March 6, which will likely be the date of a pay-per-view card.
The Team Alpha Male product is confident Figueiredo will get past his next challenger, Brandon Moreno, at UFC 256 on Dec. 12, setting up a 2021 clash between the two of them.
"I just think (Figueiredo) smashes everyone in this division (other than me)," Garbrandt said.