Cody Garbrandt (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

After running through Thomas Almeida last night at UFC Fight Night 88, Cody Garbrandt wants to fight another, top ranked opponent, but would like to do so in Cleveland.

Right out of the gate on Sunday, Garbrandt picked Almeida apart with punches, and quickly put away the rising bantamweight in the opening round. Almeida had gone 4-0 in UFC action leading up to the fight, had won all 20 of his pro bouts and was ranked #7.

At the post-fight press conference, Garbrandt was asked what he hopes comes next, and the Ohio fighter relayed he wants to fight at the UFC’s September 10th card in Cleveland. In terms of an opponent, however, Garbrandt had this to say (quote via MMA Junkie.com):

“Anybody that’s ahead of me intrigues me – anybody that’s another stepping stone for me to get to the title, that’s what I got into this sport for, to be a world champion,” Garbrandt said. “I made a pact to my buddy Maddux Maple, that he beat cancer and I was going to bring the title back to my city. I’m on a vision quest and that’s what I want to do – to be a world champion and give him the world title.”

With the win Sunday, Garbrandt moved his overall record to 9-0. The Team Alpha Male Fighter isn’t currently ranked in the top 15, but that is likely going to change this week.