Fight Overview
Cody Garbrandt entered the octagon at UFC 326 with the hope of breaking a two-fight losing streak, having previously lost to Deiveson Figueiredo and Raoni Barcelos. Expectations were high for Garbrandt to regain his winning momentum against Xiao Long.
Decisive Moments
Immediate Outcomes
In a surprising twist, Garbrandt won the fight by unanimous decision, with all judges scoring it 28-27 in his favor. Xiao Long, on the other hand, faced two point deductions due to the low blows, which significantly impacted the fight’s outcome. This deduction transformed what could have been a victory for Long into a loss.
Performance Highlights
Garbrandt’s performance was marked by a fierce elbow that dropped Long in the first round, showcasing his striking capabilities despite the adversity he faced. The fight was part of the UFC 326 prelims, and Garbrandt’s victory improved his record to 15-7 in MMA and 10-7 in UFC.
Expert Perspectives
Commentators noted that Garbrandt’s ability to recover and continue fighting after the low blows was commendable. One expert remarked, “The double-point deduction saw Long go from a certain win to a unanimous decision loss,” highlighting the critical role the refereeing decisions played in the fight.
Garbrandt’s victory was a much-needed boost for him, especially after his recent struggles, while Xiao Long’s record fell to 27-11 MMA and 1-3 UFC, leaving him to reflect on the missed opportunity.
