UFC bantamweight Rani Yahya has criticised Cody Garbrandt following his unanimous decision win over Trevin Jones at UFC 285.
Yahya was matched up against ‘No Love’ twice in 2022 but twice the fight fell through, with the Brazilian pulling out both times via injury.
Garbrandt instead faced Trevin Jones at UFC 285 and snapped a two-fight losing streak, winning via unanimous decision.
However, the 31-year-old’s performance didn’t impress Yahya. In an exclusive interview with Combat Sports UK, the BJJ practitioner revealed his thoughts on Cody Garbrandt and his recent win.
Speaking to Patrick McCorry, he said: “I think he was way too worried about getting punched. I think he didn’t [have a] good set-up at all.
“It wasn’t impressive, he’s definitely not the same guy he was when he became a champion – that’s how I see [it].”
Yahya on His Upcoming Fight vs Montel Jackson
Yahya has his own fight coming up on April 22 vs Montel Jackson.
The 38-year-old has been out of action since November 2021 due to a neck injury.
On the matchup vs Jackson, he said: “I feel that I have the advantage everywhere.
“I like to fight southpaws, you can see the last guys that I fought that were southpaws I dominated them all and I was able to finish them. So, I feel very comfortable fighting southpaws, even in the striking I can surprise them with many shots that I got.
“I feel that I’m a more complete fighter [than Montel Jackson], I think he relies way too much on his reach advantage, I rely on my technique – I think my technique is better.
“He’s definitely a dangerous fighter, he’s got a very good jab and cross. He’s got good hands, he’s quick. Sometimes he throws knees, sometimes he throws kicks, he’s definitely a dangerous fighter and I’m aware of that.”
However, despite Jackson’s strengths, Yahya claimed that he will finish his opponent.
He said: “I really believe that I’m gonna finish [him]. I don’t really care about [what] each round will be. I believe I’m gonna finish [him] by knockout or submission, which is my speciality.”
Rani Yahya Full Exclusive Interview
You can watch the full interview with Rani Yahya below:
Please provide transcription credit with a link to this article if you use any of these quotes.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
