Cody Stamann made his first UFC appearance in 2020. The 12th ranked Bantamweight entered the Featherweight fight despite a personal tragedy. His teenage brother Jacob passed away late last month. In the pre-fight media interaction ‘Mr. Wonderful vowed to dedicate the fight to his departed sibling’s memory.

Cody Stamann secures emotional win at UFC 250

Each of 3 judges scored the bout (30-27) to hand Stamann the win by Unanimous Decision. In the post-fight interview, veteran UFC commentator Joe Rogan probed ‘Mr. Wonderful’ to share with fans what this was like for him.

Stamann having finally gotten the fight out of the way after being so strong all this while seemed to be cracking as he said, “It’s been hard, it’s been real hard. I’ve been fighting tears all day just holding it together, it’s a hard time for me. I just…had to buckle up and be a man to get this done, for him for my family for myself and Brian Kelleher. Thank you so much for coming out there and giving it tonight.”

Whilst ‘Boom’ had the experience of fighting behind closed doors, this was Stamann’s first fight sans fans. Furthermore, the duo competed at a higher weight division primarily due to Kelleher having competed just 24 days back at 145. 

‘Boom’ triumphed over Hunter Azure at UFC Fight Night: Smith vs Teixeira at Jacksonville, Florida. However, he couldn’t back up the momentum from his KO win and went down to an emotional ‘Mr.Wonderful’ in a close bout.

Earlier this week, in a chat with MMA Junkie, Stamann said he never considered postponing the fight. This is because his brother loved watching him compete. He said that’s what his brother would want. 

What do you make of Cody Stamann’s emotionally strong demeanor and highly motivated performance at UFC 250?

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