UFC 326 MMA Match Preview: Cody Garbrandt (14-7) vs. Xiao Long (27-10)

Prelims start 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT
Main Card: 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT
Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: Prelims on Paramount+; Main Card on Paramount+

This high-profile prelims matchup closes out the early card in one of the most anticipated bantamweight clashes of early 2026. Former UFC champion Cody “No Love” Garbrandt looks to rebound from recent setbacks against a hungry, high-volume Chinese prospect in Long Xiao (also styled Xiao Long in some reports). Both men are orthodox strikers with similar physical dimensions, setting up a stand-up fireworks show in Sin City.

Fighter Records & Rankings Context

Cody Garbrandt (USA): 14-7 overall (UFC: 9-7), #35-ish in unofficial bantamweight rankings. The 34-year-old former champion (won title vs. Dominick Cruz in 2016) remains one of the division’s biggest punchers but has battled consistency, durability, and a revolving door of injuries throughout his career.
Long Xiao (China): 27-10 overall (UFC: ~1-2), ranked outside the top 60 but climbing fast via Road to UFC success. The 27-year-old is a slick, high-output striker with solid takedown defense and improving finishing instincts.

Garbrandt enters as the proven name with knockout power that can end any fight in a heartbeat. Xiao brings youth, volume, and momentum from the Asian regional scene into the UFC spotlight.

Recent Form (Last 5 Fights)

Cody Garbrandt (2-3 in last 5; current 2-fight losing streak):

June 14, 2025: L UD vs. Raoni Barcelos (UFC Fight Night) – Outworked on volume over 15 minutes.
April 13, 2024: L SUB (RNC) vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (UFC 300) – Competitive early before late finish.
Dec 16, 2023: W KO (Punches) vs. Brian Kelleher (UFC 296) – Explosive first-round finish, classic Garbrandt highlight-reel moment.
Earlier: Mixed results with flashes of brilliance but durability concerns mounting.

Garbrandt still starts fights like a world-beater but has faded in later rounds in recent outings.

Long Xiao (3-2 in last 5; 1-2 in UFC):

Aug 23, 2025: L UD vs. Su Young You (UFC Fight Night Shanghai) – Competitive but outpointed.
Nov 23, 2024: W KO/TKO (Punches) vs. Quang Le (UFC Fight Night) – Highlight-reel third-round stoppage.
June 22, 2024: L SD vs. ChangHo Lee (UFC Fight Night) – Razor-close split decision loss in Road to UFC final.
Strong pre-UFC run with multiple finishes and decisions.

Xiao has shown durability and the ability to push a pace that could exploit Garbrandt’s recent cardio dips.

Injury Report

Cody Garbrandt: No reported injuries or withdrawals for this bout. Garbrandt has a well-documented history of wrist, shoulder, and hand issues (including a past torn tendon), but he has been training full camps and made weight without issue in recent appearances. Monitor weigh-ins for any last-minute flags.
Long Xiao: Fully healthy and cleared. No known injuries; he has looked sharp in recent training footage and embedded segments.

Both fighters are expected to enter at 100% capacity — a rarity for Garbrandt in recent years.

Fighter Matchups & Styles

Striking: Both orthodox. Garbrandt possesses elite hand speed and one-punch KO power (79% of his wins by KO/TKO). Xiao counters with higher volume (5+ significant strikes per minute in recent bouts) and slick combinations. Expect a phone-booth war early.
Grappling/Takedowns: Neither is a submission specialist (Garbrandt 0 subs in career). Garbrandt’s takedown defense sits around 83%; Xiao’s hovers near 79%. This fight stays on the feet 90%+ of the time.
Physicality: Identical height (5’8″) and near-identical reach. Garbrandt has the slight edge in explosiveness; Xiao brings better pace and recovery between rounds.
X-Factors: Garbrandt’s chin has betrayed him late in fights (multiple late stoppages/losses). Xiao’s youth (7-year age gap) and fresher legs could prove decisive if the fight hits the championship rounds.

Fight History & Head-to-Head

First meeting — no prior history.
Garbrandt is 3-7 since losing the bantamweight title in 2017 but owns signature wins over Cruz, Assunção, and Almeida. Xiao is 27-10 with 5 KO/TKO and 9 submission wins, building a reputation as a durable spoiler with finishing upside.

Betting Trends:

Garbrandt fights have gone the distance in 4 of his last 6 (but end early when he wins).
Xiao’s UFC bouts have been split 1-1 on decisions/finishes.
Bantamweight prelims underdogs with KO power (Garbrandt archetype) have hit at a high rate in Vegas cards lately.
Over 2.5 rounds has cashed in 70%+ of similar veteran-vs-prospect matchups.

FIGHT ODDS

Cody Garbrandt + 130

Xiao Long – 150

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