Local UFC Fighters Cody Brundage and Josh Fremd Prepare to Showcase Their Skills at UFC Fight Night in Denver

This Saturday, the UFC will make its long-awaited return to Denver at Ball Arena, featuring a lineup that includes four local fighters. Among them are middleweights Cody Brundage and Josh Fremd, who are eager to display their talents in the Octagon. Brundage, a resident of Parker, has found inspiration in his three-year-old daughter Kingsley, who is bravely battling the rare disease ALG13-CDG caused by a genetic mutation.

Brundage, who holds a record of 4-5 in the UFC, has experienced the demands and sacrifices that come with being a professional fighter. However, since Kingsley's diagnosis, his perspective on life and priorities has undergone a significant shift. While fighting remains important to him, being a devoted father and husband to his wife, ex-UFC fighter Amanda Bobby Brundage, takes precedence.

Kingsley's condition initially presented a bleak future, with doctors stating that she may never be able to use her hands, sit up, or feed herself. However, she has already surpassed those expectations, achieving these milestones with the love and support of her family. Although she is nonverbal, the Brundages feel fortunate to have brought Kingsley's seizures under control over the past couple of years, as she was experiencing around 130 seizures a day during infancy.

Amanda, who had her own successful career in the UFC from 2016 to 2018, sacrificed her professional MMA aspirations to become a dedicated mother. While Cody trains diligently at Factory X in Englewood, Amanda stays at home to care for Kingsley and their one-year-old daughter, Millie. She sees her role as supporting Cody's dreams and aspirations, embracing the opportunity to live vicariously through his journey in the sport.

Their roles have reversed from when they first met at an MMA gym in Michigan, where Amanda was an instructor and Cody was a former college wrestler seeking a new path. Despite their initial clash of personalities, they developed a mutual respect, and Amanda became Cody's first MMA coach. She humorously claimed a 2% stake in his future earnings, promising not to charge him for her coaching services, and Cody has been determined to fulfill that promise ever since.

This Saturday at Ball Arena, Cody Brundage will aim to bounce back after his submission loss to Bo Nickal in April. The 30-year-old middleweight, known for his well-rounded skill set, will face off against Abdul Razak Alhassan, a formidable striker from Ghana. The anticipation is high for a thrilling battle between two fighters capable of delivering spectacular finishes, as all six of Alhassan's UFC victories have come by KO/TKO.

Meanwhile, Josh Fremd, another 30-year-old middleweight representing Factory X, is determined to prove his worth in the UFC. He will step into the Octagon against Andre Petroski in the second preliminary bout of the evening. With a record of 2-3 in the UFC, Fremd believes he underperformed in his previous fights and is eager to showcase his true potential. His challenging past, marked by physical and emotional obstacles, has molded him into a resilient fighter who is determined to succeed.

Both Brundage and Fremd have the full support of Factory X head coach Marc Montoya, who believes they have tremendous potential and bright futures in the UFC. Montoya highlighted Brundage's well-rounded skills and the challenge that Alhassan's striking presents. As for Fremd, Montoya has noticed a renewed sense of confidence and swagger leading up to this fight, reminiscent of his pre-UFC days.

In addition to Brundage and Fremd, Factory X's top UFC fighter, Brandon Royval, will be in attendance to support his teammates. Although offered a fight against an unranked opponent this Saturday, Royval declined as he awaits another shot at a title fight after his loss to Alexandre Pantoja in December. Nonetheless, his presence will undoubtedly inspire his fellow fighters to give their all in the Octagon.

The exciting night of fights at UFC Fight Night in Denver will culminate with the main event featuring former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas, who will now compete in the flyweight division. Originally scheduled to face Maycee Barber, Namajunas will now take on Tracy Cortez, a rising star in the UFC. With both fighters hungry for victory, this bout will have implications for the title picture in the flyweight division.

Namajunas, a Milwaukee native who has resided in Colorado for the past decade, expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to fight in Denver. Believing in her abilities and determined to prove herself, Namajunas aims to inch closer to a title shot and become a two-division champion. On the other hand, Cortez, riding an impressive 11-fight win streak, is eager to demonstrate her skills against a seasoned veteran like Namajunas.

As the anticipation builds, fight fans in Denver are eagerly awaiting an action-packed night of thrilling matchups. With the presence of local fighters such as Cody Brundage and Josh Fremd, as well as the notable main event featuring Rose Namajunas, UFC Fight Night promises to be an unforgettable event showcasing the grit, determination, and skill of these talented athletes.