Gallery Pedro Munhoz def. Bryan Caraway at TUF 28 Finale: Best photos view 5 images

Pedro Munhoz first caught wind of a possible Cody Garbrandt fight at UFC 235 when the former UFC champ’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, told MMAjunkie Radio this past month that he was hoping to see the fight happen.

Shortly thereafter, Munhoz (17-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) received word from his team that UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby had reached out about booking the bantamweight fight with Garbrandt (11-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC), who will compete in a non-title affair for the first time in more than two years at the March 2 event, which takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Munhoz said he wasn’t offended by the fact Garbrandt’s side looked at him as a desirable matchup. He doesn’t think he’s being targeted as a winnable matchup to help Garbrandt rebound from back-to-back title losses to T.J. Dillashaw, but rather as someone who will create a fan-pleasing bout.

“I was not surprised (to get this fight),” Munhoz told MMAjunkie. “The way I fight is entertaining to people. I’m standing there looking for the knockout. When the fight goes to the floor most likely I’m going to get a guillotine or tap you out. He’s an exciting fighter, I’m an exciting fighter so I didn’t see any reason for this fight not to happen. It’s a great fight for the public.”

If anything, Munhoz, 32, believes he’s earned the right to face someone on Garbrandt’s level.

The No. 12-ranked fighter in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA bantamweight rankings has won six of his past seven UFC fights. The only blemish on Munhoz’s record in more than three years was a debatable split-decision loss to John Dodson at UFC 222 in March, and “The Young Punisher” said that beating No. 3-ranked Garbrandt, 27, should put him in title territory.

“Out of the last seven fights, I’ve won six,” Munhoz said. “Against John Dodson, I don’t have anything against him, but I thought I won that fight. Marlon Moraes and Raphael Assuncao are going to fight, they are beasts and I believe they both deserve to fight for the title. If I beat Cody and they want to match me up with one of those guys, great. If it’s for the title, even greater. I’m here to do my job. To come and fight and whoever they put in front of me that’s who I’ll try to finish.”

Although Garbrandt is likely out of the running for a crack at the 135-pound belt so long as Dillashaw holds it, UFC 235 marks a crucial moment for his career. “No Love” will be eager to avoid experiencing a three-fight skid, which could mean he will come out looking to make a statement.

Munhoz said he’s unsure what type of adjustments Garbrandt will make following his first-round knockout loss to Dillashaw at UFC 227 in August, but he plans to be prepared for any approach the ex-champ brings.

“I think he needed those losses to see what he did wrong, or maybe what he didn’t,” Munhoz said. “Maybe he’s going to change and come crazy and try to knock me out. It’s 50/50. I see both ways. I see one guy who is calm waiting for the openings, and I see another guy who is wild and trying to take my head off. I will be ready for both.”

Regardless of whether Garbrandt is better than ever or diminished, though, Munhoz said he’s the superior fighter and the the result will go his way.

“He’s a great fighter but I believe I have the better skills,” Munhoz said. “More well-rounded. I believe I can adapt to a lot of the situations in the fight. I believe in my skills against any fighter. I train with good fighters at American Top Team. I believe that I can beat anybody right there in the top five, top 10.”

For more on UFC 235, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.