Cody Garbrandt entered UFC 326 on March 7, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, hoping to end a two-fight losing streak against Deiveson Figueiredo and Raoni Barcelos. As a former bantamweight champion, expectations were high for Garbrandt to reclaim his standing in the octagon.

The Fight Dynamics

During the match against Xiao Long, Garbrandt faced significant challenges, suffering three low blows that affected his performance. Despite this, he managed to maintain composure, taking advantage of a five-minute recovery period after the second low blow. In a decisive moment, Garbrandt showcased his skills by dropping Long with a fierce elbow in the first two rounds.

Scorecards and Outcomes

The fight concluded with Garbrandt winning 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 the UFC, while Xiao Long’s record fell to 27-11 in MMA and 1-3 in the UFC.

Impact of Low Blows

Xiao Long faced two crucial point deductions for low blows, which significantly altered the fight’s outcome. Commentators noted that the double-point deduction shifted Long from a likely win to a unanimous decision loss, illustrating the pivotal role that fouls can play in competitive matches.

Expert Commentary

Experts highlighted Garbrandt’s ability to adapt under pressure, noting that he was “fired up again, landing a combination” after recovering from the low blows. This performance not only marked a return to form for Garbrandt but also raised questions about Xiao Long’s strategy and execution in the fight.

Overall, Garbrandt’s victory at UFC 326 serves as a significant milestone in his career, potentially reigniting his path toward title contention in the bantamweight division.

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