Garbrandt claims Cruz turned down rematch offer
Cody Garbrandt is looking forward to repeating one of 2016's best performances.
All he needs is for Dominick Cruz to sign on.
The 25-year-old Garbrandt closed out a career-best year with a spectacular unanimous decision win over Cruz at UFC 207, a feat that earned him a UFC title and made him the first fighter ever to defeat Cruz at 135 pounds.
Given Cruz's lengthy run as bantamweight king, many (including Garbrandt himself) wondered if it was only fair for "The Dominator" to get an immediate rematch. On Sunday, Garbrandt told a fan on Twitter that he tried to make the fight happen, but Cruz isn't interested.
@Cody_Nolove give @DominickCruz the rematch! @ufc
— Ellazar Inc. (@EllazarInc) January 8, 2017
I tried to, he don't want it!! https://t.co/40NAvBtV4H
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) January 8, 2017
Garbrandt's tweet is consistent with Cruz's attitude following their bout, as Cruz did not immediately call for a rematch at the event's post-fight press conference. While Garbrandt is open to fighting Cruz again, he has also expressed interest in a meeting with featherweight champion Jose Aldo or a 150-pound catchweight with lightweight king Conor McGregor.