Cam Rowston Dominates Cody Brundage With Second-Round TKO

The crowd at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney was buzzing with anticipation as Cam Rowston and Cody Brundage squared off in a middleweight showdown at UFC 325 on January 31, 2026. This bout wasn’t just another fight on the card—it was a pivotal moment for two athletes at very different crossroads in their careers. For Rowston, the rising star out of City Kickboxing, it was a chance to extend his impressive winning streak and cement his reputation as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 185-pound division. For Brundage, a seasoned UFC veteran with a rollercoaster record, it was a shot at redemption and a return to the win column after a string of tough results.

Rowston entered the octagon with a 13-3 record, fresh off a five-fight winning streak that included a pair of first-round knockouts—one that earned him a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in August 2025, and another over Andre Petroski just a month later. His momentum was palpable, and the odds reflected it: Rowston was a heavy -375 favorite, while Brundage, with his 11-7-1 record and one no contest, was pegged as a +295 underdog according to DraftKings Sportsbook.

Both fighters, at 31 years old, brought experience and grit to the cage, but their paths couldn’t have been more different. Rowston’s recent surge had fans and analysts alike buzzing, with 12 of his 13 victories coming by finish and his last 10 wins out of 11 bouts. Brundage, meanwhile, had struggled to find consistency, going 5-6-1 in the UFC and entering this contest on the heels of a split-decision loss to Eric McConico. His last victory had come nearly a year earlier, in March 2025.

As the fight began, Rowston immediately took control of the center of the octagon, using his superior height (6’3” to Brundage’s 6’0”) and reach (78” to 72”) to keep his opponent at bay. He peppered Brundage with crisp jabs and sharp body kicks, mixing in combinations that showcased his technical striking. Brundage, for his part, wasn’t content to sit back. He fired back with his own flurries and pressed Rowston against the fence, trying to impose a gritty, physical style. In the clinch, Rowston delivered a clean knee to the face, but Brundage answered with heavy shots that momentarily hurt the Australian prospect.

The first round was a chess match of adjustments. Rowston retreated to the center and resumed his range-based attack, only to be interrupted by a low blow that forced a brief timeout. When action resumed, Rowston continued to pick his shots from distance, while Brundage looked to make it a brawl. The round ended with both men landing significant strikes, but Rowston’s precision and control gave him the clear edge.

Round two saw Rowston settle fully into his rhythm. He landed clean shots from range, frustrating Brundage, who began to surge forward in desperation but couldn’t find the mark. With Brundage backed up against the fence, Rowston seized his moment—charging in with a powerful knee that sent Brundage crashing to the canvas. Wasting no time, Rowston took Brundage’s back and unleashed a relentless barrage of ground-and-pound strikes. Brundage turtled up, doing his best to defend, but the onslaught was too much. With just under a minute left in the round, the referee stepped in, waving off the contest at 4:08 of the second round.

“Rowston delivered a much more dominant round in the second, getting Brundage to the mat and unleashing a flurry of ground strikes. With the clock ticking down, Rowston picked up the pace, forcing Brundage to cover up and wait for the referee to step in and save him from the onslaught,” reported LowKickMMA in their post-fight recap. The official result: Cam Rowston defeated Cody Brundage via TKO (ground and pound) at 4:08 of Round 2.

This victory marked Rowston’s sixth straight, further solidifying his place among the division’s most promising talents. The performance wasn’t just about the finish—it was a display of composure, technical prowess, and the ability to adapt under pressure. Rowston’s significant strikes per minute (3.39) and 45% accuracy were on full display, while his 49% striking defense helped him weather Brundage’s early aggression. Despite Brundage’s reputation for takedowns (2.05 per 15 minutes with 46% accuracy), Rowston’s size and reach advantage, coupled with his improved takedown defense, kept the American’s wrestling at bay.

Brundage, to his credit, showed heart and determination, but the gap in technical striking and finishing ability was evident. The fight’s over/under was set at 1.5 rounds, with many expecting a quick finish given Rowston’s history of early stoppages—and he delivered right on cue in the second frame.

Rowston’s win wasn’t just another notch in his belt. It was a statement to the rest of the middleweight division: there’s a new contender on the rise, and he’s not slowing down anytime soon. With his blend of power, precision, and composure, Rowston has quickly become a must-watch fighter at 185 pounds. The Sydney crowd certainly took notice, erupting as the referee waved off the fight and Rowston’s hand was raised in victory.

For Brundage, the loss is another tough pill to swallow in a career that has seen its share of highs and lows. With a record now standing at 11-8-1, he’ll need to regroup and reassess as he looks to get back on track. But if there’s one thing Brundage has shown throughout his UFC tenure, it’s resilience—don’t count him out just yet.

As for what’s next, Rowston’s stock is soaring. With six consecutive wins and a growing reputation for highlight-reel finishes, he’s poised for bigger challenges and potentially a run at the upper echelon of the division. The UFC’s middleweight landscape is as competitive as ever, but Rowston’s latest performance proves he’s ready for whatever comes next.

The action in Sydney wrapped up with fans and pundits alike buzzing about Rowston’s rise. With momentum on his side and the division taking notice, the Australian standout has put the rest of the 185-pounders on alert. Don’t blink—Cam Rowston is just getting started.