Former UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt has paid tribute to late boxing legend Arturo Gatti with a new tattoo. This tattoo of Gatti appears on Garbrandt’s leg and was done by the artist Kevin Cly in Mentor, Ohio.
“Thank you [Kevin Cly] for this Tribute Piece of Arturo Gatti,” Garbrandt wrote on Twitter. “Rest Easy Champ!’
Arturo Gatti passed away in July of 2009. The Italian-Canadian legend was beloved for his ferocity and heart in the ring.
Cody Garbrandt has not fought since August, when he was defeated by his arch rival TJ Dillashaw. This bout was an immediate rematch of a November, 2017 fight, in which Dillashaw knocked Garbrandt, ending his reign as UFC bantamweight champion. Prior to these losses to Dillashaw — the first setbacks of his pro career — Garbrandt sprung a massive upset, defeating bantamweight great Dominick Cruz by unanimous decision to win the UFC bantamweight title. The former champ is currently 11-2 overall.
Cody Garbrandt is set to return to the cage at UFC 235, where he is expected to battle dangerous Brazilian contender Pedro Munhoz. Munhoz will enter the fight on a two-fight streak, having recently bested Brett Johns by decision and Bryan Caraway by TKO. The Brazilian is a strong 17-3 overall.
UFC 235 will be headlined by a light heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Anthony Smith, and co-headlined by a welterweight title fight between Tyron Woodley and Kamaru Usman. The card will also feature a welterweight bout between Robbie Lawler and Ben Askren, a bantamweight bout between Holly Holm and Aspen Ladd, and a featherweight bout between Zabit Magomedsharipov and Jeremy Stephens.
What do you think of Garbrandt’s new Arturo Gatti tattoo? Join the conversation in the comments section below.
This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 1/13/2019.