Cody Garbrandt (image via UFC/Twitter)

By FCF Staff

Cody Garbrandt’s Octagon struggles in recent years are well documented, but, the former bantamweight champ still believes he can reach the top again.

Since the now, 31-year-old lost the UFC’s bantamweight crown to T.J. Dillashaw in 2017, Garbrandt (12-5) has gone 1-4. Prompting discussion and debate as to whether his days as a top contender are over.

But, ahead of Garbrandt’s bout this Saturday with Trevin Jones, the fighter’s reporting he’s never felt better (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“This is the best I’ve felt in years,” Garbrandt told reporters at the UFC 285 media day. “I’m excited to go out there and showcase my skills on Saturday. I’m a former world champion. I had that going on.

“I’m looking to rebound from the skid that I have going on. I understand that there’s ups and downs in life and just keeping the balance. I just need some momentum. You saw what momentum did in 2016. I went from unranked to world champion. All it takes is one fight at a time and then snowball effect, and I’ll make it back to the top.”

Garbrandt will be competing for the first time since December, 2021, when he was stopped by Kai Kara France.

Jones (13-9) is currently on a three-fight losing skid, and is coming off a decision loss to Raoni Barcelos in October.

UFC 285 will be hosted by the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.