Garbrandt Wins Decision Over Long at UFC 326

Cody Garbrandt secured a unanimous decision victory over Xiao Long at UFC 326 on Saturday night in Las Vegas, overcoming a series of low blows that left him vomiting in the octagon during the third round.

The bantamweight bout, part of the featured prelims at T-Mobile Arena, saw the American former champion improve to 16-8 in his MMA career while snapping a two-fight losing streak. Garbrandt, 34, had dropped decisions to Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 300 and Raoni Barcelos at UFC on ESPN 69. His opponent, Xiao Long of China, entered with a 27-11 record, coming off a unanimous decision loss to Suyoung You in August.

The fight began competitively, with both fighters exchanging strikes in the opening round. Garbrandt took the center of the octagon early, landing a combination and a low kick before forcing a clinch against the fence. He dropped Long with a sharp elbow during the exchange and later secured a brief takedown, though Long quickly returned to his feet. Long countered with low kicks and a partial head kick, keeping the action at range.

In the second round, Long focused on calf kicks that compromised Garbrandt's lead leg, prompting the American to attempt a takedown. The...