Cody Garbrandt Returns to Victory at UFC 326

Edward Langford — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 12:32:29 +0000

Cody Garbrandt’s Pre-Fight Expectations

Before UFC 326, Cody Garbrandt was in a challenging position, having lost two consecutive fights against Deiveson Figueiredo and Raoni Barcelos. The former bantamweight champion was looking to regain his footing in the octagon and return to the win column.

Decisive Moments of the Fight

On March 7, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Garbrandt faced off against Xiao Long. The match was marked by controversy, as Garbrandt suffered three low blows during the fight. Despite this, he managed to secure a unanimous decision victory, with all judges scoring the bout 28-27 in his favor.

Immediate Effects on the Fighters

The fight had significant implications for both fighters. Garbrandt’s record improved to 15-7 in MMA and 10-7 in the UFC, while Xiao Long’s record fell to 27-11 MMA and 1-3 UFC. The two-point deductions for Xiao Long due to low blows played a crucial role in the outcome, leaving him to reflect on missed opportunities.

Expert Perspectives on the Fight

Commentators noted that Garbrandt delivered an encouraging performance, particularly in the first two rounds, where he dropped Xiao Long with a fierce elbow against the fence. Despite the fight being described as “ugly” and “foul-filled,” it marked a significant comeback for Garbrandt, who was previously struggling to find his rhythm in the octagon.

Garbrandt’s resilience was evident as he utilized only half of his five-minute recovery time after the second low blow, showcasing his determination to win. As one expert remarked, “Garbrandt was fired up again, landing a combination” that ultimately secured his victory.

Conclusion of the Match

With this win, Garbrandt not only halted his losing streak but also reaffirmed his status as a competitive fighter in the bantamweight division. The fight served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of MMA, where a single moment can change the course of a match.

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Cody garbrandt

Edward Langford — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 08:55:36 +0000

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.

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