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UFC 326 MMA Match Preview: JeongYeong Lee (11-3-0) vs. Gaston Bolanos (8-5-0)

ByFight Editor

Prelims start: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT (bout expected ~7:30–8:30 PM ET window)
Main Card: 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT
Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada (Las Vegas Strip)
Broadcast: Paramount+ (full card coverage; prelims and main events)

This featherweight prelims matchup is a short-notice replacement bout after Joo Sang Yoo withdrew due to a foot injury (late February 2026). Gaston Bolaños, the Peruvian-American veteran striker, steps in against South Korean JeongYeong Lee, a Road to UFC alum who has shown solid UFC-level striking and decision-making but is coming off back-to-back losses. The fight promises technical stand-up exchanges with finishing potential on both sides.

Fighter Records & Rankings Context

  • Gaston Bolaños (Peru/USA): 8-5-0 overall (UFC: ~2-2 or 3-2 recent; bantamweight/featherweight crossover). The 33-year-old trains at Combat Sports Academy. Explosive striker with power and speed, known for highlight-reel potential but inconsistent results in the UFC.
  • JeongYeong Lee (South Korea): 11-3-0 overall (UFC: 2-2 or 3-2; Road to UFC winner). The 30-year-old (DOB Nov 13, 1995) from Daegu (Ssen Gym) is a balanced fighter with KO power (4 wins) and submission threat (3 subs). He earned his UFC spot via Road to UFC Season 1 but has struggled in recent Octagon outings.

Lee enters as the favorite with better recent UFC experience and physical advantages (height/reach edge), while Bolaños brings veteran savvy and knockout upside as the underdog.

Recent Form (Last 5 Fights)

Gaston Bolaños (mixed; 1-2 or 2-2 in recent stretch):

  • May 3, 2025: L SUB (RNC, R2, 1:54) vs. Quang Le (UFC Fight Night) – caught after competitive striking.
  • Nov 9, 2024: W UD vs. Cortavious Romious (UFC Fight Night) – controlled with volume and takedowns.
  • Jan 13, 2024: L KO/TKO (Punches, R2) vs. Marcus McGhee – stopped in war.
  • Earlier: Wins mixed with decisions and finishes; durable but hittable.

Bolaños snapped a skid with a decision win but has been finished/submitted in losses.

eongYeong Lee (0-2 streak; 2-2 in UFC):

  • May 10, 2025: L UD vs. Daniel Santos (UFC 315) – outworked over 15 minutes.
  • Jul 20, 2024: L KO/TKO (Punches, R1, 1:05) vs. Hyder Amil (UFC Fight Night) – quick stoppage.
  • Feb 3, 2024: W UD vs. Blake Bilder (UFC Fight Night) – strong decision control.
  • Feb 4, 2023: W SD vs. Yizha (UFC Fight Night) – split-decision Road to UFC finale win.

Lee has wins via decisions but has been finished once and outpointed recently.

Injury Report

  • Gaston Bolaños: Fully healthy and cleared. Accepted short-notice change after Yoo withdrawal; no injuries reported from recent camp or previous bouts (cleared after May 2025 sub loss). Weight cut smooth.
  • JeongYeong Lee: Fully healthy. No new injuries; past weight/visa issues (pre-2025) resolved. Cleared after May 2025 decision loss; full camp completed with no flags.

Both fighters enter 100% — no excuses on either side despite the late matchup change.

Fighter Matchups & Styles

  • Striking: Both orthodox with power. Bolaños has speed/combinations and “Dreamkiller” timing; Lee has crisp boxing, leg kicks, and 4 KO wins. Lee’s 5’10” height/73″ reach vs. Bolaños’ 5’7″/shorter reach gives Lee range edge.
  • Grappling: Limited threats — Lee has 3 subs (armbars); Bolaños has been submitted recently but prefers stand-up. Takedown defense key (both ~60-70% career).
  • Physicality & Cardio: Lee’s size/reach advantage; Bolaños more explosive early but can fade. Cardio favors Lee in decisions.
  • X-Factors: Lee’s UFC experience (4 bouts) vs. Bolaños’ short-notice prep and finishing threat. Fight likely stays standing with technical exchanges and possible late fatigue.

Fight History & Head-to-Head

First meeting — no prior history. Bolaños brings UFC veteran grit (multiple decisions/finishes); Lee has Road to UFC title and solid wins but recent setbacks.

Betting Trends:

  • Lee’s last 4 UFC fights: 2 decisions, 1 KO loss, 1 split win — durable but finish-vulnerable.
  • Bolaños’ recent bouts mixed (decision win, sub/KO losses).
  • Featherweight prelims with size/reach favorites win ~65-70% historically.
  • Public money split (~55-60% on Lee); sharp action on Lee side, line stable around -250.
  • Over 2.5 rounds cashed in 3 of Lee’s last 4; Bolaños prone to early endings in losses.

FIGHT ODDS

JeongYeong Lee                – 250

Gaston Bolanos                + 195

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 6, 2026

RevGear

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