Cody Garbrandt eyeing MSG return, still focused solely on rehab

While UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt and former bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw may have been set to fight at UFC 213 earlier this summer, however the fight was forced to be cancelled after a back injury forced Garbrandt out of the fight.

Despite UFC President Dana White sending Garbrandt to Germany to receive Orthokine treatment on his back, the UFC bantamweight champ wasn’t ready to fight Dillashaw. While there has been no word on when the fight will be rebooked, Garbrandt does know that he would like to make his return at the Madison Square Garden.

He spoke to MMAFighting via text message:

“I want MSG,”

In regards to his recovery, and a potential return date, Garbrandt stated:

“Feeling a lot better. Hardly doing MMA. It’s been all rehab and strength and conditioning. I can’t wait to get back.”

Previously however, Garbrandt revealed in a televised interview that he could be targeting a November return:

“I would say, earliest is November, give my back enough time. I did two procedures, one here in the states, they told me I was going to be fine after the stem cells. I went back to training, and it lasted 3 days and I was in the worst pain, couldn’t even walk. Then they flew me over to Germany, and it took the pain in the sciatic down, but still I’m not able to do any of my live, full fighting, so I mean I’m just trying to make sure my back holds up, not jump into a fight and pull out, that’s not something I want to have to do so hopefully November I’ll be ready to go.”

“I’ve been doing rehab intensively in Sacramento, and obviously here at the UFC institute. It’s great to be able to come out here and do that. It’s going great, my coaches, and my teammates, and my PT are all on the same [track] my progress has been great, so I’m feeling healthy. Excited to go back in there soon.”

Only time will tell when the champion will be ready to make his highly anticipated title defense.

on 8/4/2017.