Cody Garbrandt Hospitalized Due to Kidney Issues, Out of UFC on ESPN 8 Bout

Cody Garbrandt is out of his upcoming fight with Raphael Assuncao at UFC on ESPN 8 after being hospitalized. ESPN has confirmed that Garbrandt’s hospitalization, which is for kidney issues, will keep him out of the March 28th show and that he’s heading back to Cleveland to see a specialist.

“I honestly don’t know what it is,” Garbrandt told the outlet. “A month ago, I had cellulitis in my shin. I went to the hospital and got that cleared with antibiotics. I got back into training, but then last Friday, the lymph nodes in my groin were inflamed and I didn’t feel well. I thought it was just due to rough training. On Saturday, I had flu-like symptoms. The lymph nodes were so inflamed I couldn’t walk. I took an Uber to the hospital and did a bunch of tests on my blood, kidneys, CAT scan. The doctor sent me home and 20 minutes later I felt even worse and started pissing blood.”

The show is currently scheduled to take place in Colombus, Ohio though its status is – like most events – up in the air due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ohio’s governor Mike DeWine announced an order prohibiting mass gatherings in the state on Wednesday.