UFC Veteran admits he may lack what it takes to become champion

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One fighter, who’s stepped into the Octagon 13 times, has opened up about where he stands in his career.

The UFC enters 2026 amid one of the most turbulent championship periods in recent memory. Petr Yan’s emphatic victory over Merab Dvalishvili in the final title fight of 2025 capped off a year in which nine of the sport’s eleven divisions crowned new champions. Even reigning flyweight king Alexander Pantoja was forced to relinquish his belt following an injury at UFC 323.

While the division shuffle has reignited hope for many contenders, one fighter has taken a notably introspective approach when reflecting on whether he will ever reach the summit himself.

Brundage questions whether he has the mindset of a champion

Cody Brundage, who owns a 5–6–1 UFC record after a controversial split-decision defeat in his most recent outing, spoke candidly with MMA Junkie about the mental demands of chasing championship glory. Since making his Octagon debut in September 2021, the 31-year-old has delivered memorable moments, including five first-round finishes and a thunderous slam knockout.

His bold promise to “shock the world” against Bo Nickal at UFC 300 did not materialise, but Brundage says the journey itself has helped shape him as a person. Still, he believes something intangible may be holding him back. In his own words, he wonders whether he lacks the degree of “selfishness” that he feels often separates champions from the rest, explaining that balancing fatherhood with elite-level ambition makes it difficult to develop the ruthless mindset he associates with the sport’s very best.

Brundage seeks fresh start at UFC 325

Despite finishing 2025 with a 1–1–1 record, Brundage refuses to dwell on the numbers. He insists his performances remained strong and argues that different circumstances — including an overturned result and a contentious split decision — could easily have left him unbeaten for the year.

Later this month, Brundage will look to reset at UFC 325 when he faces Australia’s Cam Rowston, who impressed in his UFC debut last September with a first-round stoppage. For Brundage, the bout represents another opportunity to chase the belief he feels could yet transform his career.