Cody Garbrandt experienced a night of extreme physical distress and bizarre drama at UFC 326, yet managed to emerge victorious over Xiao Long via unanimous decision. The former bantamweight champion was seen vomiting into a bucket after sustaining multiple low blows, but persevered to claim a hard-fought win in a contest marred by fouls and tension.
A Gruelling Encounter with Repeated Fouls
Garbrandt, aiming to rebound from two consecutive losses to Deiveson Figueiredo and Raoni Barcelos, started strongly against Chinese opponent Xiao Long. In the first round, he showcased his striking prowess by dropping Xiao with a powerful elbow against the fence, setting an encouraging tone for his comeback bid.
Second Round Turmoil and Vomiting Incident
The fight took a dramatic turn in the second round when Xiao connected with two low blows in quick succession. The second foul, a toe kick to the groin, left Garbrandt writhing in agony on the canvas. The American fighter was then observed vomiting, initially onto the octagon floor before a bucket was provided to him.
Despite having a full five minutes to recover under the rules, Garbrandt used only half of that time, wiping his mouth and resuming the bout with visible determination. Referee Herb Dean deducted a point from Xiao for the fouls, a decision that would prove pivotal later in the fight.
Continued Controversy and Strategic Maneuvering
After the restart, Garbrandt launched an aggressive assault, thrilling the crowd with his intensity. However, the action was again interrupted when Xiao landed a third low blow before the end of the second round, resulting in another point deduction. This meant Xiao could only win by knockout or submission, setting the stage for a peculiar final round.
In the third round, Xiao adopted an all-out offensive strategy, knowing he needed a finish. Garbrandt responded by employing evasive tactics, at times literally running away from his opponent to avoid damage and protect his lead. He eventually secured the win by controlling Xiao in the clinch as time expired.
Post-Fight Confrontation and Official Result
The drama did not end with the final buzzer. An incensed Garbrandt had to be restrained by referee Dean from confronting Xiao, with the pair exchanging heated words. UFC security personnel entered the cage to prevent any physical altercation, underscoring the lingering animosity.
When the scorecards were read, all three judges awarded the fight to Garbrandt with scores of 28-27, reflecting the two-point deduction from Xiao. The Chinese fighter was left to regret his costly fouls, while Garbrandt celebrated a victory earned through resilience amid chaotic circumstances.
