Former Champion Cody Garbrandt Faces Rising Star Xiao Long in High-Stakes UFC 326 Prelim

Cody Garbrandt takes on Xiao Long at UFC 326. Check out the 2026 bantamweight preview, betting odds, and technical analysis for the featured prelim.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 6:09 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Boxing News

Bantamweight Showcase: Experience vs. Ambition

The featured preliminary bout of UFC 326 brings together two fighters at vastly different stages of their careers. Cody "No Love" Garbrandt (14-7) remains one of the most naturally gifted strikers the bantamweight division has ever seen, known for a peak performance that secured him world title gold. Standing across from him is the hungry challenger Xiao Long (27-10), an athlete with a massive 70 inch reach advantage who is looking to use Garbrandt's name as a springboard into the top tier of the 135-pound rankings. According to analysts, this matchup is a classic "gatekeeper" scenario where Garbrandt must prove his chin and composure still belong at the elite level.

Technical Analysis: Garbrandt’s Speed vs. Long’s Pressure

Garbrandt’s path to victory lies in his exceptional footwork and straight-line counters. At age 34, his hand speed remains a significant threat, particularly when he is able to slip shots and fire back with tight, explosive hooks. However, his career has often been marred by a tendency to abandon defensive responsibility in favor of emotional "firefights." To succeed against Xiao Long, Garbrandt must balance his aggressive instincts with a disciplined, mid-range striking game. According to the "Tale of the Tape," both fighters stand 5 feet 7 inches tall, but Long’s five-inch reach advantage could pose problems for Garbrandt if he cannot effectively close the distance.

Xiao Long’s Multi-Dimensional Attack

Xiao Long enters the octagon with a versatile style that leans heavily on forward momentum and grappling entries. At 27 years old, Long possesses the cardio to test Garbrandt’s endurance across three rounds. His strategy will likely involve disrupting Garbrandt’s rhythm by collapsing the distance and forcing clinch scenarios, thereby neutralizing the American's counter-punching opportunities. According to fight previews, Long is most dangerous when he can mix his striking combinations with takedown threats, forcing his opponents to second-guess their defensive posture. Avoiding reckless entries against a puncher as quick as Garbrandt will be the primary challenge for the Chinese standout.