UFC Fight Night 88's Cody Garbrandt: Only matter of time before I put Almeida to sleep

UFC bantamweight Cody Garbrandt takes Thomas Almeida’s fight with Brad Pickett as a preview of what’s to come when he faces off with the also-undefeated up-and-comer at UFC Fight Night 88.

Pickett, Garbrandt (8-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) tells MMAjunkie Radio, caught Almeida (21-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) with a left hook; the left hook is his favored punch. Pickett took Almeida down; he is from wrestling-savvy Team Alpha Male and takes down those he doesn’t knock out.

Those are just a few observations from Garbrandt as he heads into the main event of UFC Fight Night 88, which takes place May 29 at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Events Center. The card airs on FOX Sports 1 after expected early prelims on UFC Fight Pass.

But in the end, he expects his punches to decide the fight between the two bantamweight prospects.

“(Almeida’s) chin is definitely suspect,” Garbrandt said. “I find the chin every fight. Everyone I’ve fought, I’ve either knocked out or knocked down. It’s only a matter of time before I find his chin and put him to sleep.”

Almeida would certainly disagree, having previously been the one on the giving end of knockouts since his UFC debut in November 2014. After a decision over Tim Gorman in his first outing, he’s concussed three straight opponents in highlight-reel fashion.

But Garbrandt is right: Almeida was nearly knocked out by Pickett in his third UFC bout before a spectacular come-from-behind knockout at the banner UFC 189.

By contrast, only one of Garbrandt’s three opponents have survived his onslaught. But he also has approximately one-third of Almeida’s experience in the cage.

When the two collide in May, fans will see a rare meeting of undefeated prospects arguably in their prime. As Garbrandt notes in the above video, he’s got a little bit more motivation to hit the road for a jog these days.

Check out the above video to get his thoughts on the upcoming fight.

For more on UFC Fight Night 88, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.