Cody Garbrandt vs. Brian Kelleher 12/16/23 – UFC 296, scheduled for Saturday night, features an anticipated Bantamweight bout between Cody “No Love” Garbrandt and Brian “Boom” Kelleher that represents a pivotal moment for both fighters in their respective career trajectories; fans and bettors alike are turning to multiple handicapper websites for insight due to its intriguing matchup that incorporates diverse fighting styles and career trajectories – Garbrandt is known for his powerful knockout power while Kelleher boasts resilience and versatile fighting techniques – providing ample opportunity for analysis to help predict its outcome – making UFC 296 one of its most anticipated bouts ever!
Cody Garbrandt vs. Brian Kelleher 12/16/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Cody “No Love” Garbrandt Analysis
Cody Garbrandt enters this bout with a 13-5 professional MMA record, including going 5-4 in the UFC. Garbrandt is coming into this fight after securing a unanimous decision victory against Rani Yahya in July 2022, snapping a three-fight losing streak. The former bantamweight king is still just 31 years old and has shown incredible talent and ability during the peak of his career, including running through Dominick Cruz to capture the 135-pound title.
Garbrandt possesses quickness and nimble footwork paired with explosive power in his hands, accentuated by a background in boxing. He lands an impressive 3 significant strikes per minute with strong accuracy at 40%. Additionally, his head movement and footwork historically have made him difficult to hit, boasting excellent 61% striking defense over his UFC stint. Beyond just boxing, Garbrandt has strong wrestling ability with a 34% takedown accuracy mark and 78% takedown defense rate.
However, Garbrandt’s biggest flaw has been repeatedly getting drawn into unnecessary firefights and brawls where he ends up on the wrong side of a knockout, having been finished by strikes in 4 of his last 6 appearances. Still, his raw athletic gifts and punching power make him a threat to any opponent willing to stand in the pocket and trade shots with him.
Brian “Boom” Kelleher Analysis
Brian Kelleher will step into the cage with the veteran know-how of a 38-fight career spanning over 14 years as a professional fighter. Currently riding back-to-back losses, Kelleher is certainly ready to return to the win column at the expense of his rising foe.
Kelleher brings a similar offensive pace as Garbrandt on the feet, landing 3.36 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 4.61 per minute. His striking defense currently checks in at a porous 54% clip, so he tends to take punishment in exchanges. However, his grit, determination and ability to push the pace with aggressive offense has carried him to 24 career victories.
Additionally, Kelleher poses a much larger threat in the grappling realm, which may prove to be his most likely route to best Garbrandt. He has registered 42% takedown accuracy across nearly 2 takedowns per round on average. He also attempts a submission nearly once every two rounds, constantly hunting for finishes once the action hits the canvas.
This well-rounded attack has yielded Kelleher 24 wins by submission or knockout, signaling his ability to end fights if given an opening either standing or on the mat. However, his 60% takedown defense rate means Garbrandt should still be able to fend off attempts to bring the fight to the floor.
Cody Garbrandt vs. Brian Kelleher Stats
| Garbrandt | Kelleher | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 13-5-0 | 24-14-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 10:13 | 8:24 |
| Height | 5′ 8″ | 5′ 6″ |
| Weight | 135 lbs. | 135 lbs. |
| Reach | 65″ | 66″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Switch |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 3.00 | 3.36 |
| Striking Accuracy | 40% | 41% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 3.89 | 4.61 |
| Defense | 61% | 54% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 1.13 | 1.79 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 34% | 42% |
| Takedown Defense | 78% | 60% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.0 | 0.7 |
Cody Garbrandt vs. Brian Kelleher Betting Pick
Based on this analysis, Cody Garbrandt should be chosen. His combination of striking power, accuracy and an improved fight IQ gives him an advantage against Kelleher; although Kelleher presents significant threats through pressure grappling and grappling tactics; Garbrandt should prevail with takedown defense and striking.
Free Pick: Cody “No Love” Garbrandt -220
At UFC 296 between Garbrandt and Kelleher is not just an arena battle of bantamweights but an exploration of different fight philosophies. Garbrandt’s precise striking against Kelleher’s aggressive grappling and pressure creates an explosive contest – with free UFC tips today suggesting Garbrandt may win due to his power and improved tactical approach; however, with Kelleher’s resilience and versatility surprising us at any given time in MMA; fans can look forward to an energetic battle that challenges both athletes’ abilities and willpower!