Cody Garbrandt’s Fight Overview
Cody Garbrandt entered UFC 326 with the hope of breaking a two-fight losing streak, having previously lost to Deiveson Figueiredo and Raoni Barcelos. The fight took place on March 7, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where Garbrandt faced off against Xiao Long.
Initially, expectations were high for Garbrandt, who was looking to regain his footing in the octagon. However, the fight quickly took a challenging turn as Garbrandt suffered three low blows, leading to a moment where he vomited in the octagon.
Decisive Moments in the Fight
Despite the setbacks, Garbrandt demonstrated resilience. He managed to drop Xiao Long with a fierce elbow in the first round, showcasing his striking ability. The fight featured multiple low blows, including a toe kick to the groin, which resulted in two point deductions for Long, officiated by referee Herb Dean.
Garbrandt was granted five minutes to recover after the second low blow, a critical moment that allowed him to regroup and continue the fight. Ultimately, he secured a unanimous decision victory, with all judges scoring the bout 28-27 in his favor.
Impact on Fighters’ Records
This victory improved Garbrandt’s record to 15-7 in MMA and 10-7 in the UFC, marking a significant turnaround after his recent losses. In contrast, Xiao Long’s record fell to 27-11 in MMA and 1-3 in the UFC, leaving him to reflect on the impact of the crucial point deductions.
Experts noted that the double-point deduction shifted the fight’s momentum dramatically, turning what seemed like a certain win for Long into a unanimous decision loss. Garbrandt’s performance was described as encouraging, particularly in the first two rounds, where he effectively landed combinations and controlled the pace.
Looking Ahead
Garbrandt’s victory at UFC 326 not only revitalizes his career but also sets the stage for potential future matchups as he aims to reclaim his status in the bantamweight division. As he moves forward, the focus will be on maintaining this momentum and addressing the challenges that lie ahead.
