Cody Brundage has carved out a reputation as a relentless competitor in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s middleweight division, known for his gritty performances and never-say-die attitude. Hailing from Chapin, South Carolina, Brundage’s journey through the ranks of mixed martial arts is a testament to perseverance, blending a strong wrestling foundation with an ever-evolving striking game. 

As of mid-2025, he remains a captivating figure, constantly pushing his limits and seeking to solidify his standing among the elite. This comprehensive article delves into his career, fighting style, mental fortitude, and what the future holds for this formidable athlete.

Understanding Cody Brundage: A Fighter’s Profile

Cody Brundage, born on May 16, 1994, is a professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC’s middleweight division. His path to the world’s premier MMA organization was paved through a strong collegiate wrestling background, a common trajectory for many successful UFC fighters. His mother was on the U.S. Olympic team for biathlon, and his father was Special Forces, highlighting a family history steeped in high-level athleticism and discipline.

The Evolution of a Fighter: Brundage’s Fighting Style

Cody Brundage’s fighting style is fundamentally rooted in his wrestling prowess, a discipline that instilled in him exceptional takedown ability, control, and resilience. However, he has consistently worked to integrate and refine his striking, evolving into a more complete mixed martial artist.

Wrestling Foundation:

Brundage’s collegiate wrestling background is evident in his fights. He possesses a strong double-leg takedown, effective clinch work, and the ability to maintain top control. This wrestling base allows him to dictate where the fight takes place, often neutralizing opponents’ striking advantages or creating opportunities for ground and pound. 

His defensive wrestling is also noteworthy, with a respectable 68% takedown defense rate (UFC Stats, as of May 2025), making him difficult to put on his back.

Striking Development:

While wrestling is his bread and butter, Brundage has shown continuous improvement in his striking. He delivers powerful punches, particularly his overhand right, which has led to several knockout victories. His striking accuracy stands at 54%, a commendable figure for a wrestler-first fighter (UFC Stats, as of May 2025). 

He tends to engage in brawls, relying on his toughness and power, but has also demonstrated a willingness to stand and exchange. This willingness, at times, has led to him absorbing significant strikes, with a “Strikes Absorbed per Minute” (SApM) of 2.98 (UFC Stats, as of May 2025).

Grappling and Submissions:

Beyond wrestling control, Brundage has showcased a developing submission game. He holds multiple submission victories, including a guillotine choke and arm-triangle chokes, demonstrating that he is a threat on the ground both offensively and defensively. His purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Factory X further validates his commitment to this aspect of his game.

Strengths:

Wrestling: Dominant takedowns, strong top control, and good takedown defense.

Power: Possesses knockout power in his hands.

Durability and Grit: Known for his toughness and ability to push through adversity.

Submission Offense: A legitimate threat with chokes and arm-triangle setups.

Areas for Improvement:

Striking Defense: Can be susceptible to absorbing strikes due to his aggressive approach.

Pacing: Managing energy effectively over three rounds, especially when engaging in high-intensity exchanges.

Consistency: Delivering peak performances consistently against top-tier competition.

Training and Preparation: The “Outwork” Mentality

Cody Brundage trains at Factory X, a renowned gym in Englewood, Colorado, known for producing top-tier MMA talent. His training regimen is comprehensive, focusing on all aspects of mixed martial arts to continuously evolve his skillset.

A Typical Training Week:

Strength and Conditioning: Brundage dedicates significant time to building physical strength, explosiveness, and endurance, essential for the demanding nature of MMA. This includes weightlifting, plyometrics, and high-intensity interval training.

Technical Drills: A large portion of his training involves drilling specific techniques across striking, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This allows him to refine his movements, transitions, and offensive/defensive strategies.

Sparring: Regular sparring sessions with high-level training partners simulate real fight scenarios, helping him adapt to different styles, practice timing, and develop fight IQ.

Judo and Muay Thai: While his wrestling is primary, he actively incorporates Judo for throws and takedowns, and Muay Thai for striking techniques, including kicks, knees, and elbows.

Recovery and Nutrition: Brundage emphasizes proper recovery, including rest, stretching, and physical therapy, to prevent injuries and optimize performance. His diet is carefully managed to fuel his training and maintain his weight effectively.

Mental Preparation and Philosophy:

Brundage is known for his “outwork” mentality. He believes that consistent, diligent effort in the gym is the key to overcoming any obstacle, including losses. He has spoken openly about his perspective on losses, viewing them as learning opportunities rather than setbacks. 

His wrestling background, where frequent competition and immediate bounce-back from losses are common, has shaped this resilient mindset. He has stated that he doesn’t dwell on being “caught” but rather focuses on identifying and correcting mistakes to improve.

Furthermore, Brundage maintains a healthy perspective on fighting within the broader context of his life. He publicly acknowledges that while fighting is his passion, being a good father, husband, teammate, and friend are ultimately more important. This balanced outlook likely contributes to his mental fortitude and ability to navigate the pressures of professional combat sports.

Recent Trends and Future Outlook (as of 2025)

As of mid-2025, Cody Brundage is at a pivotal point in his UFC career. His recent TKO victory over Julian Marquez in March 2025 demonstrated his continued evolution and ability to finish fights. He is currently scheduled to face Mansur Abdul-Malik at UFC Fight Night: Usman vs. Buckley on June 14, 2025, a significant matchup against an undefeated opponent that could propel him further up the middleweight rankings.

Emerging Trends in Brundage’s Game:

Increased Striking Confidence: His last victory highlighted a more assertive and precise striking approach, suggesting he is becoming more comfortable exchanging in the stand-up.

Strategic Adaptability: While he often accepts short-notice fights, which can be challenging, his recent performances indicate a growing ability to adapt his game plan to different opponents.

Handling Adversity: Brundage has consistently shown the ability to bounce back from losses, a critical trait for longevity in the UFC. His mental resilience after controversial fights (like the no-contests) also speaks to his character.

The Road Ahead:

For Brundage to climb into the top 15 of the middleweight division, several factors will be crucial:

Consistency Against Ranked Opponents: While he has secured impressive finishes, consistently defeating higher-ranked opponents will be key.

Minimizing Defensive Lapses: Refining his striking defense to avoid unnecessary damage will be vital for long-term success.

Capitalizing on Opportunities: With the middleweight division being highly competitive, seizing every opportunity to showcase his improvements will be paramount.

Avoiding Short-Notice Risks: While a testament to his readiness, strategically choosing fights with full training camps could lead to more optimized performances.

With a current professional record of 11 wins and 6 losses (1 NC), and being ranked around the #90 spot in the middleweight division by FightMatrix.com (as of April 2025), a win over an undefeated prospect like Mansur Abdul-Malik would be a significant step towards cracking the official UFC rankings.

Practical Tips for Aspiring MMA Fighters (Inspired by Brundage’s Journey)

Cody Brundage’s career offers valuable lessons for anyone aspiring to enter the competitive world of mixed martial arts.

Build a Strong Foundation: Brundage’s wrestling background provided him with an invaluable base. Aspiring fighters should dedicate themselves to mastering at least one combat sport (e.g., wrestling, BJJ, Muay Thai) before integrating others.

Embrace Continuous Learning: MMA is constantly evolving. Brundage’s commitment to improving his striking and submissions, even with a strong wrestling base, highlights the necessity of being a well-rounded athlete.

Develop Mental Fortitude: The ability to bounce back from losses, learn from mistakes, and maintain a positive outlook is crucial. As Brundage exemplifies, viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth is vital.

Prioritize Physical and Mental Health: Consistent training requires rigorous discipline, but also smart recovery and a balanced life. Brundage’s emphasis on being a good family man outside the cage underscores the importance of a healthy personal life.

Seek Out Quality Coaching and Training Partners: Training at a reputable gym like Factory X, surrounded by experienced coaches and high-level teammates, is instrumental for development and pushing one’s limits.

Be Prepared for Adversity: The path to the top in MMA is rarely linear. Brundage has faced injuries, controversial decisions, and tough losses, yet he consistently returns to the octagon. Aspiring fighters must be ready for such challenges.

Understand Your Body: Brundage often takes short-notice fights, a testament to his constant readiness. However, knowing when to rest and when to push is crucial for sustained performance and injury prevention.

Real-Life Examples: Brundage’s Impact and Resilience

Cody Brundage’s career is dotted with moments that exemplify his fighting spirit and impact beyond just wins and losses.

The “Slam KO” vs. Zachary Reese: This fight in December 2023 was a highlight reel moment that showcased Brundage’s raw power and willingness to take risks. It was a unique finish that captured widespread attention and earned him a Performance of the Night bonus, demonstrating that creativity and aggression can pay off.

The “Illegal Elbow” Saga: His two no-contests due to illegal elbows (against Jacob Malkoun and Abdul Razak Alhassan) highlight the unpredictable nature of MMA and the tough decisions fighters face in the octagon. While unfortunate, Brundage’s ability to maintain his composure and readiness to fight again after these incidents speaks volumes about his mental toughness.

Stepping Up Against Bo Nickal: Facing a highly hyped prospect like Bo Nickal at UFC 300, one of the biggest cards in UFC history, shows Brundage’s willingness to challenge himself against top-tier competition, regardless of the odds. This demonstrates a fighter’s commitment to testing their limits.

These instances, whether a highlight-reel finish or a challenging no-contest, contribute to the narrative of Cody Brundage as a fighter who consistently brings excitement and an unyielding spirit to the cage.

FAQs

What is Cody Brundage’s current MMA record and upcoming fight?

As of May 2025, Cody Brundage holds a professional MMA record of 11 wins, 6 losses, and 1 no-contest. His next scheduled fight is against Mansur Abdul-Malik at UFC Fight Night: Usman vs. Buckley on June 14, 2025.

What is Cody Brundage’s primary fighting style?

Cody Brundage’s primary fighting style is rooted in his strong collegiate wrestling background. He is known for his effective takedowns, ground control, and submission threats. However, he has significantly developed his striking, showcasing knockout power and an aggressive stand-up game.

Has Cody Brundage won any awards or bonuses in the UFC?

Yes, Cody Brundage has won “Performance of the Night” bonuses twice in the UFC. The first was for his guillotine choke submission victory over Dalcha Lungiambula in March 2022, and the second was for his slam knockout of Zachary Reese in December 2023.

What is the significance of Cody Brundage’s “no contest” fights?

Cody Brundage has been involved in two “no contest” bouts due to illegal elbows from his opponents (Jacob Malkoun in September 2023, ruled a DQ win for Brundage, and Abdul Razak Alhassan in July 2024, ruled a no-contest). These situations highlight the unpredictable nature of fights and the impact of referee decisions on a fighter’s record, and they also demonstrate Brundage’s ability to endure and come back from such unfortunate circumstances.

What is Cody Brundage’s background outside of MMA?

Cody Brundage comes from an athletic family; his mother was on the U.S. Olympic team for biathlon, and his father was Special Forces. His interest in MMA began during his wrestling days. He is also known for maintaining a balanced perspective on life, valuing his roles as a father, husband, and friend as much as his fighting career.

Final Thoughts

Cody Brundage represents the quintessential mixed martial artist who leverages a strong fundamental base while relentlessly striving for improvement across all disciplines. His journey in the UFC has been a testament to his grit, power, and mental resilience, marked by thrilling finishes and a willingness to face any challenge. 

As of mid-2025, with a significant fight on the horizon against an undefeated opponent, Brundage stands at a crucial juncture in his career. His continued dedication to refining his multifaceted game, combined with his unwavering “outwork” mentality, suggests that he will remain a compelling and evolving force in the UFC middleweight division for years to come. Fans and analysts alike will undoubtedly be watching to see how far his determination can take him in the competitive landscape of professional MMA.

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