Cody Brundage, one of the UFC's most active fighters to start 2026, is taking time away from competition to become a firefighter as he prepares for the arrival of a new baby. The middleweight cited the limited lifespan of a fighting career as motivation to build a foundation outside the sport.
Cody Brundage is stepping back from active competition to pursue a career in firefighting while also preparing for the arrival of a new baby, the middleweight confirmed in June 2026.
Brundage, 32, entered the year as one of the UFC's busiest middleweights, which makes the timing of his departure notable. The American fighter out of Factory X carries a professional record of 12-9-1 and competes at 185 pounds. Standing six feet tall with a 72-inch reach, he operates out of an orthodox stance and has built a reputation as a well-rounded competitor. Over his UFC tenure he has averaged 2.5 significant strikes landed per minute at 51 percent accuracy, while also contributing on the ground with 1.8 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Brundage cited the finite lifespan of a fighting career as the driving force behind the decision, reasoning that now is the right time to lay groundwork outside the sport before welcoming a child.
Why it matters
- Brundage was among the division's more active fighters heading into 2026, so his absence creates an opening in the middleweight ranks for other contenders seeking bouts.
- His combination of striking output and takedown ability made him a useful gatekeeper in a crowded 185-pound division, and his timeline for a potential return remains unclear.
- The move underscores a broader reality for fighters outside the top tier: the need to build financial and professional security beyond the cage.
