Full Breakdown
Cody Brundage Pauses UFC Career to Train as Firefighter
6/19/2026, 1:37:22 AM
Decision and Immediate Plans
UFC middleweight Cody Brundage will begin a four-month fire academy in August 2026, finishing in January 2027. He expects limited MMA training during that period and will not fight again until at least 2027. Brundage and his wife, former UFC fighter Amanda Cooper, are also preparing for the birth of their second child in July 2026.
Recent UFC Activity
The 32-year-old Colorado native has competed 16 times in the UFC, holding a 9-6 promotion record and a 15-6 overall record. In 2026 he fought three times in six months, most recently earning a TKO over Andre Petroski on May 16, 2026. Three of his last four UFC bouts ended in split-decision losses, a point he says skews public perception.
Timeline
- May 16 2026 – TKO win over Andre Petroski.
- August 2026 – Starts fire academy.
- January 2027 – Completes academy; MMA training resumes.
- 2027 (expected) – Returns to UFC competition.
Data Snapshot
- UFC fights: 16; UFC record: 9-6.
- Overall record: 15-6.
- 2026: three fights in six months.
- Fire academy: four months, 24-hour shift schedule.
- Family: second child due July 2026.
Why It Matters
Brundage describes firefighting as a “Plan B” that offers steady income, benefits, and a schedule that still permits training. He argues that financial security reduces the pressure that drives some fighters to compete past their prime or accept risky bare-knuckle bouts, potentially extending his competitive lifespan.
Official Statements & Responses
Brundage said that while he enjoys fighting, he does not view it as a long-term career and that having a stable secondary job is essential for his family. He described the firefighter position as offering reliable income, benefits, and a schedule that still permits training. UFC CEO Dana White, responding to questions about fighter compensation, stated that the promotion does not guarantee a minimum salary and referenced a $370,000 figure as a possible cost for a three-fight contract.
Criticism & Opposition
Brundage noted that some fans have criticized his recent split-decision losses and expressed concern that his hiatus could stall his momentum, but he believes the timing after a win mitigates any negative impact.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Stability is definitely a thing,” — Cody Brundage, UFC middleweight
- “Fighting is an awesome job but it’s not really a career.” — Cody Brundage
- “I don’t even know if you’ll see me again until next year,” — Cody Brundage
- “It makes fighting much easier, to be honest.” — Cody Brundage
What’s Next
After graduating, Brundage will work 24-hour firefighter shifts while remaining on call for UFC opportunities. He plans to resume full-time training when his schedule allows and aims to re-enter the octagon in 2027, leveraging the stability his new profession provides.
