In a highly anticipated comeback, former UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt is gearing up for a challenging test at UFC 326. But here's the twist: he's not the only one with something to prove.
Garbrandt, once a dominant force in the octagon, has hit a rough patch, losing his last two fights. Despite showing flashes of brilliance in his recent unanimous decision loss to Raoni Barcelos, he couldn't sustain the momentum. This came after a quick start that saw him knock down Barcelos in the first round. But the story of his recent fights isn't all doom and gloom; it's a tale of resilience and the pursuit of redemption.
The former champion's last victory was a spectacular one-punch knockout against Brian Kelleher at UFC 296. However, his journey back to the top was halted by former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 300. Now, Garbrandt is determined to reclaim his glory days and is set to face a formidable opponent at UFC 326.
Enter Xiao Long, a rising star in the bantamweight division with an impressive 14 career stoppages. Long, much like Garbrandt, is eager to rebound from a recent loss to Su Young You. He earned his place in the UFC through the 'Road to UFC' program in 2023, showcasing his skills against Shohei Nose and Shuya Kamikubo. And this is the part most people miss: Long's last stoppage victory came against Quang Le in November 2024, a TKO that solidified his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Garbrandt's upcoming fight is a crucial one. With the bantamweight division teeming with talent, a loss could significantly impact his title aspirations. But a win could propel him back into the title conversation. This bout, scheduled for March 7th in Las Vegas, is more than just a fight; it's a crossroads for both Garbrandt and Long.
UFC 326 promises an action-packed night, with a middleweight bout between Caio Borralho and Reinier de Ridder, and former middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa taking on Brunno Ferreira. But the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Garbrandt and Long as they strive to make their mark in this competitive division. Will Garbrandt reclaim his former glory, or will Long establish himself as the new rising star? The stage is set for a controversial and thrilling showdown.
