UFC 326: Cody Garbrandt vs Xiao Long Preview & Prediction
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Former UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt faces China’s Xiao Long in a bout that pits fading star power against hungry ambition at 135 pounds.
Cody Garbrandt vs Xiao Long facts
What time are Cody Garbrandt and Xiao Long expected to walk out? Sunday March 8, 2026: 1:30am
Where is UFC 326: Holloway vs Oliveira 2? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC 326: Holloway vs Oliveira 2? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC 326
What TV channel is UFC 326: Holloway vs Oliveira 2 on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – Not televised
Where can I stream UFC 326: Holloway vs Oliveira 2? UK – TNT Sports can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – Paramount+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC 326: Holloway vs Oliveira 2 main card
Max Holloway vs Charles Oliveira (Lightweight)
Caio Borralho vs Reinier de Ridder (Middleweight)
Rob Font vs Raul Rosas Jr. (Bantamweight)
Drew Dober vs Michael Johnson (Lightweight)
Gregory Rodrigues vs Brunno Ferreira (Middleweight)
UFC 326: Holloway vs Oliveira 2 prelims
Cody Garbrandt vs Xiao Long (Bantamweight)
Donte Johnson vs Cody Brundage (Middleweight)
Ricky Turcios vs Alberto Montes (Featherweight)
Cody Durden vs Nyamjargal Tumendemberel (Flyweight)
Su Mudaerji vs Jesus Santos Aguilar (Flyweight)
Rafael Tobias vs Diyar Nurgozhay (Light Heavyweight)
Lee Jeong-yeong vs Gaston Bolanos (Featherweight)
Luke Fernandez vs Rodolfo Bellato (Light Heavyweight)
Cody Garbrandt: Former champion searching for one more run
Cody Garbrandt (14-7) in his 2016 demolition of Dominick Cruz for the title showcased elite hand speed, razor-sharp counter-punching, and explosive power. A decade on, however, the picture is very different — Garbrandt has gone 3-7 since that career-defining night. He still possesses fast hands and dangerous power, particularly with his right hand counter, and his lateral movement and distance management remain serviceable. The concern is output. Garbrandt fights at a low volume these days, content to pick his shots rather than sustain pressure. His chin appeared compromised following a string of knockout losses after the Cruz fight, though in recent bouts it seems to have somewhat recovered. His defensive grappling, however, has been exposed in recent losses.
Xiao Long: Relentless pressure fighter with a point to prove
Xiao Long (27-10) arrives at UFC 326 with far less name recognition but plenty of professional experience. Much of Long's record was built on the regional circuit, where the level of opposition varied significantly. His UFC record sits at 1-2, with a knockout of Quang Le sandwiched between decision losses. Long is at his best when he can close distance and turn the fight into a dogfight with relentless forward pressure. His striking defence is a notable weakness — he's hittable and keeps his hands low — but his chin has held up well and his volume doesn't drop in later rounds.
Cody Garbrandt vs Xiao Long prediction
Garbrandt will want to fight at range, using his speed advantage and sharp counter-punching to snipe Long from distance. His right hand counter and leg kicks from orthodox stance are his most reliable weapons, and if Long gives him the space to work, Garbrandt has the technical ability to pick him apart. Long's striking defence leaves a lot to be desired, he's open on the feet and eats shots willingly.
Long's path to victory is to make this ugly. He thrives in close-range exchanges, mixing punches and knees in the clinch and maintaining relentless pressure. If he can push the pace and turn this into a dogfight, he could wear Garbrandt down in the later rounds. Notably, Long's volume doesn't tend to fade as the fight progresses, whereas Garbrandt's low output could become an issue across three rounds.
Ultimately, the difference in competition level is the deciding factor. Garbrandt has shared the cage with multiple champions and elite contenders throughout his career, and while the decline is real, this matchup reads as a deliberate step down in opposition to give the former champion a winnable fight. Long is hittable enough for Garbrandt to land clean at range, and as long as Cody resists the urge to brawl, his technical striking should carry him to a competitive but clear victory across three rounds.
Prediction: Cody Garbrandt to win by decision
