Cody Gibson Expects UFC Call After John Dodson Fight: “They Can’t Deny Me”

Interview with Cody Gibson above

The biggest fight of Cody Gibson’s career is here.

Gibson will finally cross paths with another UFC veteran, John Dodson. Dodson has been on Gibson’s mind for a while now. The two were originally booked to fight XMMA 2 last July, however a near-death car crash would stop Dodson from competing. Months later, the matchup will headline XMMA 3 in Miami, Florida this weekend. 

For Gibson, this isn’t just another fight. He has something to prove, not just to himself but to the whole world. He wants to be the first person ever to stop John Dodson inside the distance. In 33 fights, ‘The Magician’ has magically never been finished. Petr Yan, Demetrious Johnson, Marlon Moraes, and John Lineker might have beat Dodson but were unsuccessful in putting him away. 

Gibson predicts a knockout over Dodson will not only secure him a shot back in the UFC but it will also gain him recognition from the best bantamweights in the world. 

“To get to the top you have to go through the fire. When I knockout John Dodson on October 23rd, the top of the bantamweight food chain will realize their is company amongst them.”

Gibson, who is also a AP U.S. history teacher, is ready to test himself against the former UFC title challenger. 

“I wanted a big name like John not only because I like to compete, but I want stiff competition.” Gibson told MMA Island. “The way I see it, this is my first fight back in the UFC in many ways.”

“If I were to get signed by the UFC tomorrow, my first fight back would likely against an unranked opponent. I still consider John to be ranked in the top 15 in the world. He was [ranked] when he left the UFC. He lost to Merab [Dvalishvili] who’s now like #6.”

Gibson, who’s on a 2 fight winning streak, doesn’t see how Dana White and the UFC can deny him another opportunity if he defeats Dodson at XMMA 3 this Saturday. 

“I’m also getting a step up from what I would getting in my return fight to the UFC. If I go out and do what I plan on doing… I don’t see how they can deny me anymore. I just don’t see how you can tell me I can’t compete at that [UFC] level and I shouldn’t be there if I go out and I’m able to beat John Dodson, especially if I’m able to put him away.”

Will Cody Gibson become the first fighter to stop John Dodson within the distance?

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Chris De Santiago
Chris De Santiago is a 19 year-old journalist out of Texas. He is the founder of his own media outlet, MMA Island as well as the editor-in-chief of MiddleEasy. His work has been featured on LowKick MMA and Asian Persuasion MMA. He has done over 150+ interviews with the likes of Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Stephen Thompson, Demetrious Johnson, and more.