Cody Garbrandt vs. Xiao Long: The Controversial UFC 326 Showdown
When the UFC announced a matchup between former champion Cody Garbrandt and the rising Chinese prospect Xiao Long for UFC 326, fans were instantly captivated. The bout promised a clash of styles, a battle for redemption for Garbrandt, and a chance for Xiao Long to prove himself on the world stage. However, the fight quickly became embroiled in controversy, sparking heated discussions across social media, YouTube channels, and the broader MMA community.
Who Are the Fighters?
Cody Garbrandt
Garbrandt, known for his explosive striking and aggressive approach, captured the UFC Bantamweight title in 2018. Despite a promising start, a series of injuries and a controversial loss to Deiveson Figueiredo left his career on a rollercoaster. By 2024, Garbrandt was determined to return to the top of the division, and UFC 326 seemed like the perfect platform.
Xiao Long
Hailing from Shanghai, Xiao Long is a 21-year-old featherweight/ bantamweight prospect with a background in wushu and a growing fan base in Asia. While not yet a headline name, his dynamic grappling and refined striking earned him a contract with the UFC after a stellar performance on the regional circuit.
UFC 326: The Fight That Wasn't
In the weeks leading up to UFC 326, promotional material highlighted a “classic” clash between Garbrandt’s power and Xiao Long’s technical skill. A full‑fight
