Miles Johns was frustrated by Cody Garbrandt‘s withdrawal from their fight without communication, but he moved on to face Felipe Lima at UFC Tampa, seeing it as a more beneficial matchup and expressing interest in potentially fighting Dominick Cruz next.
Miles Johns was just boarding his flight to Vegas, geared up for a bout against Cody Garbrandt. Then, his phone buzzed with a call from his manager. He knew instantly—bad news was on the horizon.
“Jason called me,” Johns recounted to MMA Fighting. “When he rings during fight week, it’s never good.” He was told Cody was out, but to hang tight—they were hunting for a new opponent. So, Johns stuck to his diet and kept the faith they’d find someone.
The fight’s cancellation stung, especially since Johns was mid-weight cut and en route to Vegas when he got the news. This wasn’t the first delay; the fight had already been pushed from October to November.
This time, Garbrandt dropped out entirely. But what irked Johns more than the cancellation? The radio silence from his opponent.
“I’ve had to pull out before,” Johns shared, recalling a dislocated shoulder and torn labrum. “But I immediately apologized on social media to my opponent.” It’s about handling setbacks with grace.
As for Cody? He supposedly battled vertigo at the UFC Performance Institute. “He’s had it since 2012,” Johns noted. Therapy hadn’t stopped him before, so why now? Maybe Cody sensed danger—Johns’ energy that week was fierce.
Despite this, no hard feelings lingered. “I still give him the benefit of the doubt,” said Johns. “I grew up respecting him.” Yet, he’s ready to move on.
“I hope Cody’s happy with his choices,” Johns mused. “But if you wanna ride into the sunset, face your challenges first.” As for Johns? He’s focused on bigger battles ahead.
He was eager to fight anyone UFC could line up in Vegas. But when no replacement emerged, plans shifted to another date.
Now set to face Felipe Lima at UFC Tampa, Johns moved up to featherweight by choice. Cutting weight again so soon would be brutal on his body.
Facing Lima might offer more benefits than a Garbrandt matchup ever could. “If I’d knocked Cody out,” said Johns, “people would’ve said he was already done.” But beating Lima? That could earn Johns some overdue respect.
Looking beyond Saturday, Johns has his sights set on future fights—possibly even stepping into a rivalry once dominated by Garbrandt and Dominick Cruz.
“I’m done with Cody,” declared Johns. “But if I perform well, why not take a shot at Cruz?” With mutual respect between them, it could be an honor for both fighters—a fitting last dance for Cruz.