The bantamweight bout between Cody Garbrandt and Raoni Barcelos is scheduled for UFC on ESPN: Usman vs. Buckley (UFC on ESPN 69) on June 14, 2025, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. This matchup pits a former champion with devastating knockout power against a versatile veteran looking to climb the bantamweight ranks.
Cody Garbrandt
Cody Garbrandt, an American fighter, is a former UFC Bantamweight Champion known for his explosive striking and boxing pedigree. With a professional record of 14 wins and 6 losses, Garbrandt has 11 knockouts, showcasing his ability to end fights with a single punch. His recent performances include back-to-back wins over Brian Kelleher (KO) and Trevin Jones (decision) in 2023, but a submission loss to Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 300 in April 2024 exposed his grappling vulnerabilities. Garbrandt’s speed and power make him a dangerous striker, but his susceptibility to submissions and knockouts against elite competition remains a concern.
Cody Garbrandt – Last 5 Fights:
1. Loss vs. Deiveson Figueiredo – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (UFC 300, April 13, 2024)
2. Win vs. Brian Kelleher – KO (Punch) (UFC 296, December 16, 2023)
3. Win vs. Trevin Jones – Unanimous Decision (UFC 285, March 4, 2023)
4. Loss vs. Kai Kara-France – TKO (Punches) (UFC 269, December 11, 2021)
5. Loss vs. Rob Font – Unanimous Decision (UFC Fight Night, May 22, 2021)
Raoni Barcelos
Raoni Barcelos, a Brazilian fighter, is a former RFA Featherweight Champion and five-time Brazilian national wrestling champion. With a professional record of 19 wins and 5 losses, Barcelos is a well-rounded fighter with 8 knockouts, 3 submissions, and 8 decision victories. His recent unanimous decision win over Payton Talbott at UFC 311 in January 2025 and submission of Cristian Quiñonez in February 2024 highlight his resurgence after a two-fight skid in 2023. Barcelos’ wrestling background and ability to mix striking with grappling make him a versatile threat, though his losses to top-tier opponents suggest challenges against elite finishers.
Raoni Barcelos – Last 5 Fights:
1. Win vs. Payton Talbott – Unanimous Decision (UFC 311, January 18, 2025)
2. Win vs. Cristian Quiñonez – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (UFC Fight Night, February 24, 2024)
3. Loss vs. Kyler Phillips – Unanimous Decision (UFC on ESPN, August 5, 2023)
4. Loss vs. Umar Nurmagomedov – KO (Body Kick and Punch) (UFC Fight Night, January 14, 2023)
5. Win vs. Trevin Jones – Unanimous Decision (UFC Fight Night, October 1, 2022)
Prediction:
This bantamweight clash pits Cody Garbrandt’s knockout power against Raoni Barcelos’ well-rounded skill set. Garbrandt’s path to victory lies in keeping the fight standing, where his superior boxing and lightning-fast hands can target Barcelos for an early knockout, as seen in his finish of Brian Kelleher. However, his recent submission loss to Figueiredo underscores his vulnerability on the ground, where Barcelos’ wrestling and submission game could capitalize. Barcelos will likely aim to mix takedowns with striking, using his grappling to neutralize Garbrandt’s power and either secure a submission or grind out a decision.
Garbrandt’s speed and knockout threat give him an edge in a striking battle, but Barcelos’ durability and wrestling pedigree make him a tough matchup. If Garbrandt can stuff early takedown attempts and land clean shots, he could secure a highlight-reel knockout. However, Barcelos’ recent momentum and ability to control fights with grappling tilt the scales in his favor, especially if the fight goes past the first round. Expect Barcelos to weather an early storm, drag the fight to the mat, and capitalize on Garbrandt’s grappling weaknesses.
Prediction:
Raoni Barcelos def. Cody Garbrandt via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in Round 3.
