Cody Garbrandt was hoping to get back in the win column after two successive losses to Deiveson Figueiredo and Raoni Barcelos. His fight against Xiao Long at UFC 326 on March 7, 2026, was crucial for his career trajectory.
Decisive Moments
During the fight, Garbrandt faced significant challenges, suffering three low blows that led to a bizarre scene where he vomited in the octagon. Despite these setbacks, he managed to recover after receiving five minutes to recuperate.
Garbrandt’s performance was commendable, as he won the fight by unanimous decision, with all judges scoring it 28-27 in his favor. This victory improved his record to 15-7 in MMA and 10-7 in UFC.
Impact on Fighters
Xiao Long, on the other hand, faced a dramatic turn of events. He received two point deductions for the low blows, which significantly impacted the fight’s outcome. His record fell to 27-11 in MMA and 1-3 in UFC after this defeat.
The fight was described as bizarre due to the circumstances surrounding the low blows and Garbrandt’s reaction. Referee Herb Dean officiated the match and issued the point deductions that shifted the momentum in Garbrandt’s favor.
Expert Perspectives
Ultimately, Garbrandt emerged victorious on the scorecards by unanimous decision, while Xiao was left to rue his crucial two-point deduction. The double-point deduction saw Long go from a certain win to a unanimous decision loss, highlighting the unpredictable nature of MMA.
Garbrandt’s ability to subdue Xiao Long in the clinch towards the end of the fight was a testament to his fighting spirit, marking a significant turnaround after a two-fight losing streak.
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