UFC 325 is set to deliver exciting matchups, and one of the most intriguing preliminary card fights on January 31, 2026 features Cam Rowston vs Cody Brundage in a middleweight clash that could have implications for both fighters’ paths in the division.
Cam Rowston: Middleweight Contender with Momentum
Cam “Battle Giraffe” Rowston enters UFC 325 holding a professional record of 13 wins and 3 losses.
He’s currently on a five-fight winning streak, highlighting his consistency and growth within the middleweight ranks.
Rowston stands tall at 6’3” with a 75” reach, giving him physical advantages over many opponents in the division.
Rowston fights out of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, and is affiliated with City Kickboxing, one of the top fight teams globally known for producing high-level strikers and well-rounded mixed martial artists.
Fighting Style and Attributes
- Striking Power: Rowston has shown sharp striking skills throughout his MMA career, scoring significant victories by strikes and displaying the ability to control the stand-up portion of fights.
- Reach Advantage: At 6’3” with a 75” reach, Rowston can keep opponents at range and score from a distance, which could be pivotal against a grappler-heavy opponent.
- Finishing Ability: Rowston has both knockout and submission victories to his name, demonstrating versatility. His skill set includes crisp boxing and technical ground control when necessary.
A standout moment from his recent UFC run was a first-round TKO victory over Andre Petroski at UFC Perth, where he used his reach and sharp counters to secure a dominant finish in front of a home crowd.
Cody Brundage: Tough Veteran with Wrestling Roots
Cody Brundage comes into this fight with a professional record of 11-7-1 and 1 no-contest.
He is a well-rounded middleweight with a strong wrestling base and a history of competing against tough opposition in the UFC.
Brundage hails from Englewood, Colorado, United States, and competed collegiately as a wrestler at Newberry College, earning a reputation as a reliable grappler.
His skill set also includes striking and submission abilities, making him a challenging test for any opponent.
Key Traits of Brundage
- Wrestling Base: Brundage’s primary strength is his wrestling. He consistently looks to take the fight to the ground and control the pace through top pressure.
- Experience: Despite a mixed win-loss record, Brundage has faced a variety of high-level MMA fighters and understands how to navigate long, tough bouts.
- Finishing Power: With 6 TKO victories and 3 submission wins, Brundage has diversified finishing skills.
However, Brundage’s more recent form shows inconsistency, as he has gone 1-? in his last several outings and struggles to string together consecutive wins.
Comparing Styles: What This Fight Might Look Like
To foresee how this matchup could unfold, it’s essential to break down the stylistic differences between the two fighters:
Physical Attributes
- Reach & Height: Rowston enjoys a significant height and reach advantage over Brundage. This can allow him to dictate distance, land strikes while staying out of range, and potentially avoid takedowns if he keeps the fight standing.
Striking vs. Grappling
- Rowston’s Striking: Rowston has proven striking ability and should be comfortable pacing the bout on the feet, using jabs and long-range shots to frustrate Brundage.
- Brundage’s Wrestling: Brundage’s best path to victory is likely through wrestling and ground control. He will seek to close the distance, secure takedowns, and leverage top control to score points or grind out a decision.
Fight IQ and Adaptability
Rowston has shown improved fight IQ within the Octagon, adjusting to opponents’ gameplans effectively, while Brundage has sometimes struggled to consistently implement his wrestling against opponents with strong takedown defense.
Breaking Down the Prediction
Given how both fighters match up, there are several potential paths this fight could take. Here’s a breakdown to support our prediction:
Rowston’s Path to Victory
- If Rowston can keep the fight standing, use his reach advantage, and stay elusive, he can outstrike Brundage and score rounds decisively.
- His finishing ability suggests that if Brundage makes a mistake, Rowston can capitalize with a knockout or submission opportunity.
Brundage’s Path to Victory
- Brundage needs to neutralize Rowston’s range via takedowns and control the fight on the ground.
- If he can sustain pressure and avoid significant damage in the early rounds, a decision win is possible.
Prediction Summary
Based on recent performances, fighting styles, and overall momentum:
Prediction: Cam Rowston wins via decision or late stoppage.
Rowston’s ability to manage distance and keep the fight in his preferred domain on the feet gives him a clear edge in this matchup. While Brundage’s wrestling is a threat, it may not be enough to overcome Rowston’s superior reach and finishing capacity.
Final Words
The Rowston vs. Brundage fight at UFC 325 presents an exciting clash of contrasting styles — a rangy striker versus a gritty wrestler.
With Rowston’s momentum and skill set favoring striking dominance, he enters as a slight favorite in a fight that could have implications for both men’s future in the division.
For fans of technical striking and strategy, this bout should deliver meaningful action from bell to bell. Expect Rowston to control the pace and secure a victory that keeps his climb upward in the middleweight rankings.