Cody Garbrandt entered UFC 326 with a pressing need to end a two-fight losing streak, having faced defeats against Deiveson Figueiredo and Raoni Barcelos. Expectations were low as he stepped into the octagon, with many questioning his ability to reclaim his former glory.

A Tumultuous Fight

The fight against Xiao Long on March 7, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas quickly became a test of endurance for Garbrandt. Suffering three low blows during the match, he even vomited in the octagon, a testament to the physical toll the fight took on him. However, the tide turned when Garbrandt dropped Long with a fierce elbow in the first round, showcasing his striking power.

Decisive Moments

Despite the adversity, Garbrandt managed to secure a unanimous decision victory, with all judges scoring the fight 28-27 in his favor. The outcome was significantly influenced by Xiao Long receiving two point deductions for his low blows, which shifted the momentum of the fight. Initially down on the scorecards, Garbrandt’s performance in the latter rounds proved crucial.

This victory improved Garbrandt’s 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. The fight not only marked a comeback for Garbrandt but also highlighted the challenges faced by Long, who was left to reflect on his crucial mistakes.

Expert Perspectives

Experts noted that the double-point deduction for Long transformed a potential win into a unanimous decision loss. As one commentator remarked, “The double-point deduction saw Long go from a certain win to a unanimous decision loss,” emphasizing the pivotal role of officiating in the fight’s outcome.

Garbrandt’s performance was described as encouraging, with analysts praising his ability to bounce back after a difficult start. “Garbrandt was fired up again, landing a combination,” they noted, illustrating his resilience in the face of adversity.

As Garbrandt looks to build on this victory, the fight serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts, where a single moment can change the course of a match. Details remain unconfirmed regarding Garbrandt’s next steps, but this win certainly reignites interest in his career.

The post Cody Garbrandt Secures Victory at UFC 326 appeared first on newscasino.

Cody Garbrandt entered UFC 326 on a two-fight losing streak, hoping to regain his footing in the octagon after defeats to Deiveson Figueiredo and Raoni Barcelos. The stakes were high for Garbrandt, who needed a win to reestablish his position in the competitive bantamweight division.

Decisive Moments in the Fight

The bout against Xiao Long took a bizarre turn when Garbrandt suffered three low blows, leading to a moment where he vomited in the octagon. Despite this setback, Garbrandt managed to continue fighting after a five-minute recovery period. Referee Herb Dean officiated the match and issued two point deductions against Long for the low blows, which significantly impacted the fight’s outcome.

Immediate Results

Garbrandt 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 the UFC. Conversely, Xiao Long’s record fell to 27-11 in MMA and 1-3 in the UFC, marking a disappointing outcome after what seemed to be a promising start.

Expert Perspectives

Commentators noted that Garbrandt’s performance was encouraging, particularly in the first two rounds, where he dropped Long with a fierce elbow against the fence. The double-point deduction for Long shifted the fight’s momentum, transforming what appeared to be a certain victory into a unanimous decision loss.

Garbrandt’s ability to push through adversity and secure the win has reignited discussions about his potential in the bantamweight division. The fight was described as foul-filled and bizarre, highlighting the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts.

As Garbrandt celebrates this victory, the implications for both fighters are significant. Garbrandt has the opportunity to build on this win, while Long will need to reassess his strategy moving forward in the UFC.

The post Cody garbrandt secures victory at UFC 326 appeared first on newscasino.