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411’s UFC 326 Report: Oliveira Wins 3.07.26
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MAIN CARD (9 p.m. ET, Paramount+)
#4 Max Holloway (155 lbs.) vs. #3 Charles Oliveira (156 lbs.) – for the BMF title which Holloway holds
#7 Caio Borralho (186 lbs.) vs. #8 Reinier de Ridder (185.5 lbs.)
#13 Rob Font (136 lbs.) vs. Raul Rosas Jr. (135.5 lbs.)
Drew Dober (156 lbs.) vs. Michael Johnson (155.5 lbs.)
#15 Brunno Ferreira (184 lbs.) vs. #13 Gregory Rodrigues (186 lbs.)
PRELIMINARY CARD (7 p.m. ET, Paramount+, CBS)
Cody Garbrandt (136 lbs.) vs. Xiao Long (135.5 lbs.)
Cody Brundage (185.5 lbs.) vs. Donte Johnson (185.5 lbs.)
Alberto Montes (145.5 lbs.) vs. Ricky Turcios (146 lbs.)
Cody Durden (125.5 lbs.) vs. Nyamjargal Tumendemberel (125.5 lbs.)
PRELIMINARY CARD (5:30 p.m. ET, Paramount+)
Jesus Aguilar (125.5 lbs.) vs. Sumudaerji (126 lbs.)
Diyar Nurgozhay (205.5 lbs.) vs. Rafael Tobias (204 lbs.)
Rodolfo Bellato (204.5 lbs.) vs. Luke Fernandez (205 lbs.)
Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 326, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host. Well we’re back to a numbered event though this one is a little lacking overall, we lost Gaston Bolanos vs. Jeong Yeong Lee when Lee had some medical issues related to his weight cut though that’s hardly the only issue with this card. The main event is genuinely great with Max Holloway taking on Charles Oliveira for Holloway’s BMF belt. These two fought in 2015 with a disappointing ending due to a neck injury to Oliveira back when both men were featherweights, now a decade later they’re back across from each other. I was pretty hyped for their first meeting and still find this one very compelling. Things drop off after that though. The co-main event sees Caio Borralho and Reiner de Ridder both trying to get back on the winning side of things, and both men also look for position in the middleweight title picture assuming it ever returns to normalcy. Rob Font vs. Raul Rosas isn’t super interesting to me, but Drew Dober vs. Michael Johnson should be violent fun, and a rematch between Gregor Rodrigues and Brunno Ferreira at least is unlikely to last long. The main card is more about action than ranking and quality overall. On the prelims things get a lot less interesting, Cody Garbrandt vs. Xiao Long is only a curiosity because I don’t know how much further Garbrandt can fall, and I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for Nyamjargal Tumendenberel so him taking on Cody Durden hold a little personal interest but I doubt many people agree with me. I mean we’re opening up with back to back light heavyweight fights, the expectations overall should be kept on the lower end. That said, let’s all hope for good action and at least the main event is as close to guaranteed action as you can get these days.
UFC 326 comes to the world from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The usual trio of Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Daniel Cormier will be on commentary with Megan Olivia as our roving reporter and Bruce Buffer handling announcing duties. Nevada does use the newer rules so your hands don’t matter when determining if you’re downed and instant replay is fully available. Also we’re in the 30 foot cage, so keep that in mind. We’re also likely to get announcements for the White House card at some point tonight so be on the lookout for that.
Rodolfo Bellato has the rainbow results in the UFC, 1-1-1 with 1 No Contest and most recently he lost to Navajo Stirling. Bellato is trying to avoid his first losing streak and get his first win since 2023. Luke Fernandez is undefeated coming into his UFC debut, now he’s trying to make the most of his only chance at a first impression. The odds like Fernandez at -220 to Bellato’s +185.
Light Heavyweight Bout: Rodolfo Bellato (12-3-1 1 NC, 204.5 lbs.) vs. Luke Fernandez (6-0, 205 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Bellato is an inch and a half taller with an inch of reach advantage. Some probing jabs from Fernandez then a knee in close. Calf kick from Fernandez. Fernandez lands another jab. A few rights from Fernandez then they clinch and he lands knees against the fence. Bellato looks even more stuck in first gear than usual. Knees go back and forth in the clinch then Fernandez lands a right hand on the break. Bellato lands a left to the body. Fernandez with a couple of jabs then a right hand. Another right from Fernandez, Bellato looks a lot slower than Fernandez. Calf kick then a front kick from Bellato. There’s blood coming from the nose and left eye of Bellato. Bellato lands a left hook that drops Fernandez, Fernandez just covers up and Bellato is able to pound things out on the mat.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rodolfo Bellato via TKO, punches, at 2:42 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Bellato for his work. Mic time for Bellato and the translator, he puts over his new team at American Top Team and is quite happy to finally get back to winning. To close he sends love to his family in Portuguese.
Check out the finish HERE, I promise I try to get the clips to embed whenever possible guys.
Rafael Tobias brings a six fight winning streak into his UFC debut, he’s only gone the distance three times in his career and he’ll be looking to keep that finishing ratio in tact with another one here. Diyar Nurgozhay has gone 0-2 in the UFC and really needs some kind of success here after a pretty embarrassing loss his last time out. Tobias is the favorite at -185 to a +155 comeback on Nurgozhay.
Light Heavyweight Bout: Diyar Nurgozhay (10-2, 205.5 lbs.) vs. Rafael Tobias (14-1, 204 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Tobias has half an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Nurgozhay, and they touch gloves to get things going. Both men probe with leg kicks early. The calf kicks from Nurgozhay are landing early. Body kick from Tobias. Both men with power hand punches in close. Left to the body from Nurgozhay then a front kick. Body kick from Tobias. Left to the body from Nurgozhay then Tobias lands a counter right. They tie up and Nurgozhay pushes things to the fence. Tobias turns things then takes a low blow but we’ve got some confusion though we do get a time out. Replay shows that Nurgozhay did land an uppercut to the groin. Tobias ultimately takes 1:55 then we’re back to fighting. Bit of a left hand from Nurgozhay. I’m genuinely surprised that Tobias hasn’t tried to get a takedown with how poor Nurgozhay’s submission grappling is. Front kick from Nurgozhay. A couple of punches land for Nurgozhay. Nurgozhay with a left to the body. Nurgozhay is targeting the body a lot so far. Tobias lands a right hand. Both men with lead hand hooks in close. Again they trade in close. Tobias misses a wheel kick to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Nurgozhay
ROUND TWO: Nurgozhay lands a left to the body. Front kick from Nurgozhay. Both men land lefts. Right hand from Tobias. Nurgozhay with a few calf kicks as well. Tobias tries a single leg but Nurgozhay limp legs free, then Tobias lands punches and clinches up. Some fence grabs from Nurgozhay keep him upright but they remain clinched. Tobias slips to the back then comes back around on a single leg. Eventually they separate. Left to the body from Nurgozhay. Hard right hand from Tobias, he follows up with punches then tries a takedown against the fence and gets Nurgozhay down. Tobias moves to full mount and starts dropping punches and elbows. The arm triangle is right there but Tobias doesn’t even try and Nurgozhay is able to sweep and get on top in full guard. Left hand from Nurgozhay, Tobias moves to his knees then rolls to his back again. Nurgozhay makes Tobias stand as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Tobias but could go either way, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Both men slowly circle again, they’re tired and neither is very good. Front kick from Nurgozhay. Bit of a left hook from Tobias. Left to the body from Nurgozhay. Tobias lands a left hook then Nurgozhay responds with a front kick. Calf kick from Nurgozhay. Another front kick from Nurgozhay. They punch into a clinch but Nurgozhay quickly shoves his way out of this one. Front kick from Nurgozhay. Bit of a right from Tobias. Short uppercut from Nurgozhay then a front kick after he circles to distance. Tobias catches a front kick and forces a clinch on the fence. Some knees from Tobias as they jockey for position. Single leg from Tobias then he gets the back as Nurgozhay bases up. Suloev Stretch from Tobias but Nurgozhay holds on for the last second he needed to see out the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Nurgozhay, 29-28 Nurgozhay overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Diyar Nurgozhay via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Well that fight kind of sucked, Tobias had multiple real chances to win but he kind of sucked on the mat too and Nurgozhay still seems like you could catch him with almost any submission down there.
Sumudaerji has gone 5-4 in the UFC, he’s riding a two fight winning streak though and is looking for his second three fight winning streak which could move him closer to ranked opponents. Jesus Aguilar has gone 4-2 in the UFC, most recently he beat Luis Gurule and now looks to build another winning streak. The odds, which are having a bad start to the night, are with Sumudaerji at -215 to a +180 payout on Aguilar.
Flyweight Bout: Jesus Aguilar (12-3, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Sumudaerji (18-7, 126 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Sumudaerji is four inches taller with a large nine and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Sumudaerji, who comes out kicking then avoids a few hooks from Aguilar. Inside calf kick from Sumudaerji. Aguilar misses a couple of hooks but given the height and reach disadvantage I’m not going to kill him for swinging overhands. Knee from Sumudaerji then he fights off a single leg so Aguilar pushes into a clinch. Not much going on here and Sumudaerji is able to spin free. Left hand from Sumudaerji. Inside leg kick from Sumudaerji, that got a bit high into the groin so we get a time out. Replay looks clean so we’re back to fighting after 23 seconds. Leg kick from Sumudaerji. Body kick from Sumudaerji, Aguilar ducked into that one so it would up more of a head kick. Wheel kick from Sumudaerji lands but Aguilar just eats it. Counter right from Sumudaerji after Aguilar misses some punches. Some jabs from Sumudaerji then Aguilar lands an inside calf kick. Sumudaerji with a couple hooks, he’s making nice use of his length and fighting at the correct range. Another body kick from Sumudaerji. Aguilar pushes into a clinch but Sumudaerji slings him down and gets on top in half guard. A few punches from Sumudaerji land then Aguilar wrestles up into a clinch but nothing comes of it. They trade rights before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Sumudaerji
ROUND TWO: Sumudaerji resumes kicking as the round starts. Bit of a left from Sumudaerji. Aguilar misses a couple of kicks. Front kick from Sumudaerji, then another one. Right hook from Sumudaerji then a side kick. Bit of a right from Aguilar. Sumudaerji counters a double leg with a bit of a hip toss and he gets on top in half guard. Elbow from Sumudaerji. Aguilar looks to wrestle up but has to settle for finding full guard. Some hammer fists from Sumudaerji as they trade a few blows on the mat. Aguilar is able to wrestle up and separate. Sumudaerji avoids a few punches then lands a front kick. Orthodox briefly for Sumudaerji to land a couple rights then he’s back to southpaw. Glancing left hand from Sumudaerji. Left hand from Sumudaerji then a knee. Aguilar throws kicks, Sumudaerji catches one and does the golf swing takedown as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Sumudaerji, 20-18 Sumudaerji overall
ROUND THREE: Sumudaerji with a quick flurry into a clinch then he hits a trip takedown into side control. Aguilar tries to roll, Sumudaerji gets to the ride position but Aguilar wrestles up into another clinch. They break and Aguilar lands a right hand. Sumudaerji with a front kick then a hard left hand. Both men land punches in close. Some jabs from Sumudaerji, he’s playing with stance a bit now too. Leaping knee from Sumudaerji, Aguilar eats it and gets a takedown though. Sumudaerji wrestles up right away though and they trade again. Body kick from Sumudaerji. Counter punches from Sumudaerji land as Aguilar misses some wild punches. Aguilar tries another single leg but settles for a clinch on the fence. Tomahawk elbows from Sumudaerji, nice to see those in the clinch. Another elbow from Sumudaerji as they break then he misses a wheel kick but lands a spinning back kick. Those elbows cut open Aguilar along the bridge of the nose. Sumudaerji is pressing forward now and landing elbows then a few punches. Both men land in close, Sumudaerji wobbles Aguilar but Aguilar stays upright and they keep throwing as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Sumudaerji, 30-27 Sumudaerji overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sumudaerji via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Solid performance from Sumudaerji but no interview.
Cody Durden has gone 6-7-1 in the UFC but he’s currently on a three fight losing streak and really needs to break that streak if he’s going to keep his spot on the roster. Nyamjargal Tumendenberel has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a win and now looks to build his first UFC winning streak. Tumendemberel closed at -170 to Durden’s +140.
Flyweight Bout: Cody Durden (17-9-1, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Nyamjargal Tumendemberel (9-1, 125.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Tumendemberel has four inches of reach advantage and is seven years younger. Both men feint early then Durden lands a calf kick. A few calf kicks go back and forth. Tumendemberel grabs a guillotine as Durden tries a takedown, he pulls guard with it and looks to finish it. The position is pretty good, Durden is hand fighting though and Tumendemberel has to adjust. Tumendemberel shifts his grip a bit, they’re still fighting for position while the choke is being threatened. Eventually Durden gets his head out and passes to half guard. Tumendemberel scrambles up with Durden on a hip. They move to the fence and Durden loses his grip so Tumendemberel slips free to distance. They trade calf kicks again then Tumendemberel sprawls on a double leg and knees Durden in the body as they stand. Tumendemberel with another calf kick and Durden pushes into a clinch on the fence. Takedown from Durden into side control, Tumendemberel wrestles up on a single leg then Durden lands a knee but Tumendemberel with a takedown into full guard. Armbar attack from Durden, Tumendemberel pulls free though and they reset on the feet. Bit of a right from Tumendemberel, Durden tries a takedown but Tumendemberel sprawls then spins to the back and transitions to mount. Elbows from Tumendemberel as Durden wrestles to a single leg, then Tumendemberel grabs a front headlock. Elbows from Tumendemberel then Durden gets on top just as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Tumendemberel
ROUND TWO: Bit of a calf kick from Tumendemberel. Left hand from Tumendemberel then they trade in close. Durden tries a takedown, Tumendemberel counters on the mat and Durden tries a leg attack but the position isn’t quite right so Tumendemberel lands punches while nearly having his back. Eventually Tumendemberel gets the back with both hooks in. Body triangle now for Tumendemberel, Durden is able to spin into him though and gets on top. Tumendemberel is able to stand, then hits a switch and gets on top in side control. There’s a Von Flue choke attack from Tumendemberel if he wants it, he bails on it to get more like mount and land elbows. Durden tries to attack a leg as Tumendemberel stands then lands punches and Tumendemberel stands free to force a reset. Takedown from Tumendemberel after he missed a right hand, he landed on top in side control. A few short elbows from Tumendemberel. Durden rolls to his knees, Tumendemberel lands punches, one went to the back of the head but Durden is also visibly grabbing inside his glove. Eventually Durden scrambles up and they trade punches, the ref was slow so a few blows go after the horn but before the ref got in there.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Tumendemberel, 20-18 Tumendemberel overall
ROUND THREE: They clinch up right away then Tumendemberel counters a whizzer kick and gets on top in leg drag. Some punches from Tumendemberel, he tries for the back but loses position and Durden gets the back now with one hook. Tumendemberel bases up and looks to shake Durden off, it results in Tumendemberel getting on top in half guard against the fence. Elbows from Tumendemberel, Durden wall walks but tries another throw and Tumendemberel gets his back again with a body triangle. Tumendemberel with some punches as they roll away from the fence then he starts fishing for a choke. They move around but Tumendemberel is riding well this time instead of losing position. Eventually Durden breaks the hooks and gets on top in full guard. Durden passes to half guard and attacks an arm triangle choke, he moves to try and finish but Tumendemberel rolls and gives up the back. Some punches from Durden but Tumendemberel bases up and looks to shake Durden loose. Eventually Durden does fall over the top and Tumendemberel lands punches before Durden gets some posture control. Arm triangle attack from Tumendemberel now, short time though and he bails to land punches then he throws a weird knee after the bell.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Tumendemberel, 30-27 Tumendemberel overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Nyamjargal Tumendemberel via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)
Odd fight, and no interview for Tumendemberel.
Alberto Montes brings a three fight winning streak into his UFC debut, he’s hoping to extend it and make a good first impression on the UFC audience. Ricky Turcios has gone 2-3 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, he’s had some entertaining bouts and some truly bad ones so he’s hoping for a win in his featherweight debut as apparently the bantamweight cut became too much for him at this point. Fairly close here, -180 on Montes to +150 for Turcios.
Featherweight Bout: Alberto Montes (10-1, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Ricky Turcios (12-5, 146 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Turcios has two inches of height and reach advantage. They touch gloves, Turcios opens southpaw but will switch a lot. Turcios misses kicks while yelling at Montes. Montes stalks forward and barely misses a jumping head kick. Turcios has some punches blocked. Bit of a left hand then a leg kick from Montes. Turcios grabs a leg and tries a takedown but Montes defends until they hit the fence. Some knees are traded then Montes is able to spin free. Jab from Montes. Right hand from Montes. They tie up again and Turcios pushes things into the fence. Elbow from Montes in close then he circles free. Turcios is backing up now and Montes lands a one two then a knee before they clinch. Again Montes is able to spin free, he’s fighting a bit more open now and they both land punches. A couple more rights from Montes land, Turcios just eats them and clinches again though. Knee from Montes. Turcios looks for a single leg, Montes defends that then they break. One two from Montes, then a right hand. Turcios tries a takedown, Montes sprawls then lands a knee to the body as they stand. Solid body kick from Montes, then a front kick behind it. Turcios is bothered by the body kicks. Montes misses a high kick then they trade in close as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Montes
ROUND TWO: A couple rights land for Montes. Turcios tries a takedown, Montes sprawls then grabs an anaconda choke and puts Turcios to sleep with it.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alberto Montes via Technical Submission, anaconda choke, at :40 of Round 2
Buffer incorrectly names the choke a d’arce, but that was an anaconda. Mic time for Montes and he knew he could find the anaconda choke then talks us through the finish. He puts over his team but gets emotional talking about his prior striking coach who committed suicide recently.
The finish is right HERE.
Donte Johnson is undefeated including his UFC debut in November of last year when he bested Sedriques Dumas, now he’s after his first UFC winning streak and to solidify himself as a prospect of note. Cody Brundage hasn’t had a win in over a year and is on a three fight winless streak, he’s trying to get back in the winners column and prove he’s still a worthwhile addition to the roster. The odds are heavily with Johnson at a serious -800 while that +550 comeback on Brundage has to tempt some bettors.
Middleweight Bout: Cody Brundage (11-8-1 1 NC, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Donte Johnson (7-0, 185.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Brundage is four inches taller while Johnson has two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves then Johnson misses a left hook and Brundage hits a takedown into half guard. They scoot to the fence and things start to stall out a bit. Occasionally Brundage tries an arm triangle attack but he keeps losing the attack. The ref could really stand them up at this point. Brundage does throw a punch, that’s novel. Johnson scrambles up and they reset. Front kick then a calf kick from Johnson. Both men land rights. Right hand from Johnson then Brundage lands a left hand. A few jabs from Johnson. One two from Johnson. Brundage misses a couple punches then tries a takedown just as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Brundage but could go either way
ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Johnson moves forward and misses a head kick but lands an inside leg kick. Brundage tries kicks to maintain distance but Johnson lands a one two. Bit of a left hook from Johnson, Brundage tries a takedown but Johnson sprawls then grabs a front headlock. They stall a bit then Johnson lands a left hand. Brundage with a takedown from his knees and he jumps to the back with both hooks in. Johnson bases up and looks to slide out the back, Brundage tries an armbar on the escape but loses the position and Johnson lands punches from top position. Brundage wall walks to a knee but Johnson keeps landing punches then grabs a front headlock. If Johnson isn’t going to land punches from this spot he should bail on it. A few short punches do land for Johnson, he’s also looking for a choke while Brundage is just kind of hanging out. Johnson keeps trying for a choke and lands body blows with his free hand. Right uppercuts from Johnson then he lets Brundage up. We get a bit of an eye poke to Brundage, he only takes 25 seconds though then we’re back to fighting. Left hand from Johnson will be the last real blow of the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Johnson lands a couple of front kicks and keeps backing Brundage up. Brundage reaches for a takedown, Johnson sprawls then looks for another front headlock but this time pushes free. Front kick from Johnson then a calf kick. Bit of a left hook from Johnson. Calf kick from Brundage. Left hook from Johnson in close. Brundage lands a jab. Johnson is starting to play with southpaw a little bit. Left hand from Johnson. Johnson pokes out a right hand then follows with a left hook. Both men land in close. Cuffing left hand from Johnson then they trade calf kicks. Right hand from Johnson and Brundage grabs a clinch. They hit the fence and Johnson then spins free. Bit of a left from Johnson. Again the left hand lands for Johnson. Johnson sprawls away from a double leg then grabs a front headlock again. They stand back up and Johnson throws a few hooks as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson but could go either way, 29-28 Johnson overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Donte Johnson via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)
Terrible fight, 29-28 either way was defensible as a card. No interview for Johnson.
Cody Garbrandt is a former bantamweight champion but he’s just 2-4 in his last six fights, is on a two fight losing streak and hasn’t had a win since beating Brian Kelleher in 2023. This is kind of do or die for Garbrandt, another loss here would well and truly signify that his fall off from championship form is complete and likely irreversible. Xiao Long has gone 1-2 in the UFC, a win over Quang Le being sandwiched by fights with Chang Ho Lee and Su Young You, he’s looking for the biggest win of his career and to avoid his first losing streak since 2017. Another fairly close fight, -165 on Xiao while +140 on Garbrandt has to be fairly tempting.
Bantamweight Bout: Cody Garbrandt (14-7, 136 lbs.) vs. Xiao Long (27-10, 135.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Xiao has four and a half inches of reach advantage, plus he’s seven years younger. Both men feint and circle early. Xiao with an inside leg kick then he blocks a few punches. Calf kick from Garbrandt. Xiao lands a head kick and Garbrandt is a little wobbled. Forward pressure from Xiao now, Garbrandt lands a knee and circles away. Xiao keeps showing the inside leg kick. Bit of a body kick from Xiao, his left leg has been a pretty potent weapon thus far. Side kick from Xiao. They clinch up and Garbrandt spins things into the fence. Elbow from Garbrandt as they break, Xiao postures after but that landed flush. Another inside leg kick from Xiao. Xiao ducks under a spinning back elbow. A couple more inside leg kicks from Xiao as Garbrandt circles. They trade calf kicks then Xiao lands a knee to the head. Hard inside leg kick from Xiao. Garbrandt hits a takedown, Xiao quickly wall walks and Garbrandt moves to the back standing. Xiao gets free and avoids a high kick. Bit of an elbow from Xiao then Garbrandt avoids a right hand. Xiao misses a wheel kick. A couple more inside leg kicks from Xiao, Garbrandt tries a counter flurry but he’s blocked. They just feint away the final seconds of the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Xiao
ROUND TWO: Both men back to feinting and circling. Inside leg kick from Xiao then Garbrandt lands a calf kick. Garbrandt fights off a takedown and they clinch up then trade knees and separate. Calf kick from Xiao. Bit of an uppercut from Garbrandt. Glancing right hand from Xiao then a body kick. Xiao with an inside leg kick. Left hand from Xiao then he fires a head kick that’s blocked. Hard cut kick from Xiao sweeps Garbrandt for a second. Garbrandt tries a takedown, that hits the fence in a clinch. They break as Garbrandt misses a spinning attack. Body kick from Xiao then an inside leg kick and he fights off a takedown. Garbrandt blocks a high kick but only barely. Xiao lands a body kick. Side kick from Xiao then a bit of a jumping knee, only glancing one though. Clubbing right hand from Xiao in close, more of a clothesline. Knee from Garbrandt in close. Inside leg kick from Xiao, that’s been a real weapon for him. Headbutt from Garbrandt, accidental and we get a quick timeout but Xiao’s OK and they both apologize as they just banged into each other on a takedown attempt from Garbrandt, then the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Xiao, 20-18 Xiao overall
ROUND THREE: Xiao gets back to forward pressure and left kicks, he lands one to the body. Another body kick from Xiao. Garbrandt walks into an inside leg kick which then rides up into the groin so we’ve got a time out. It was just bad timing there as Garbrandt level changed into it. Ultimately Garbrandt takes 49 seconds then we’re back to fighting. Some southpaw play now from Garbrandt, he misses a high kick then Xiao lands an inside leg kick that catches Garbrandt in the groin again so we’ve got another time out. That one looked bad and Garbrandt is down retching and the replay confirms how bad it was. That’s got to be a point deduction if the fight continues, and Garbrandt is apparently actually vomiting not just dry heaving. Garbrandt is able to stand, that’s good and he starts pacing. Man Garbrandt looks pissed and the ref takes a point from Xiao, the right call there. We’re back to fighting after 2:30 and Garbrandt comes across with a flying knee. They clinch and start trading knees to the body while they jockey for position. Garbrandt complains of a low knee and we get another time out. What is going on here? On the replay we see the knee go low, and the ref brings the interpreter in to tell Xiao that another low blow will be a DQ and then takes a second point. They restart and Xiao misses a flying knee. With two points down Xiao needs a big finish. Bit of a combination from Garbrandt. Garbrandt is just circling, he’d rather run out the clock I think. Xiao misses a few jumping knees. Inside leg kick from Xiao. Side kick from Xiao. Garbrandt blocks a few rights. Both men miss lefts in close. Xiao lands a right to the body. Right hand from Garbrandt. Xiao fights off a takedown then gets back to pressuring forward. A few more body blows from Xiao in close then they trade knees. High kick from Xiao stuns Garbrandt for a second. Front headlock from Xiao, he lands a knee to the head before they break. They clinch up again and hit the fence. They just kind of hang out in the clinch, Xiao hits an outside trip into full mount then lands punches as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 9-8 Garbrandt after the point deduction, 28-27 Xiao overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cody Garbrandt via unanimous decision (28-27 x3)
Um, I don’t know about that one. If Garbarndt won the third then that 10-7 would maybe do it but I don’t think he won a round. No interview anyway. To say nothing of the fact that when you vomit the fight should be stopped right away, in this case we’d have gone to a technical decision but it’s literally in the rules that you should stop a fight if a fighter loses control of bodily functions.
Gregory Rodrigues has gone 9-3 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak since falling to Jared Cannonier last year, if he can get to three in a row here he’ll be ready to take another crack at the top 10 rankings as well as avenge a prior loss. Brunno Ferreira is on a three fight winning streak and most recently bested Marvin Vettori, though he did miss weight for that fight. Ferreira his hoping to repeat his success against Rodrigues from 2023 and take another step towards top 10 opponents himself. The odds lean towards Rodrigues at -165 to a +140 comeback on Ferreira.
Middleweight Bout: #15 Brunno Ferreira (15-2, 184 lbs.) vs. #13 Gregory Rodrigues (18-6, 186 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Rodrigues is five inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Both men show some stance switches as they move around. Ferreira looks to feint his way forward but neither man throws anything. Body kick from Rodrigues. Right hand from Ferreira. Hard right from Rodrigues ENDS Ferreira, that was very well timed.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gregory Rodrigues via KO, punch, at 1:47 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Rodrigues for his work. Mic time for Rodrigues, he does the inspirational bit telling people to follow Jesus Christ then says he’s so happy he just has to praise God. He talks us through the finish and then puts over his team for making him better in every way. To close he asks for a bonus, given how this event has gone so far he’s got a decent chance but the UFC still hates anyone asking for those.
ROBOCOP SLEEPS HIM 🤖
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— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) March 8, 2026
We get our next Hall of Fame announcement, Zhang vs. Jedrzejczyk from UFC 248 is going into the fight wing. Absolutely deserved, it’s still hands down the best women’s fight of all time. Also I’ll die on the hill that Jedrzejczyk should have won that fight.
Drew Dober has been with the UFC since 2013 but only recently broke a three fight losing streak, and in fairness there was a bit of weirdness in that fight. Dober now looks for his first winning streak since 2022. Michael Johnson is another UFC veteran, his tenure in the promotion dating back to 2010 when he lost a TUF finale to Johnathan Brookins. Despite the longevity Johnson is currently on a three fight winning streak and looks to maybe make one last push towards the rankings with another win. They don’t list the odds, mostly because there was a ton of line movement where Dober went from +190 or so to like -210 and that’s pretty suspicious.
Lightweight Bout: Drew Dober (28-15 1 NC, 156 lbs.) vs. Michael Johnson (24-19, 155.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Johnson is two inches taller with three and a half inches of reach advantage. Both men fight southpaw and they touch gloves to get things going. Lots of circling as both men probe with body jabs. Johnson lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a body kick from Dober. Bit of a one two from Johnson. Inside leg kick from Johnson, Dober responds with a leg kick. Left hand from Dober in close. Leg kick from Dober. Johnson lands a left hand. Both men land in close. Left to the body from Dober. Short right hook from Dober then a leg kick. Dober with a body kick then he tries a wheel kick that’s mostly blocked. Johnson has a calf kick checked but he does land a left hand. Dober with another left to the body. Solid left hand from Johnson, his hands are still quite fast. Commentary confirms we’ll get the full White House card after this fight, because nothing happens as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson but could go either way
ROUND TWO: Both men come out and land a few punches. Bit of a right hook from Johnson. Dober lands a left to the body then a calf kick. Bit of a body kick from Dober then he misses a wheel kick. Inside leg kick from Dober then Johnson lands a jab. Dober lands a left hand. Jab from Johnson. Hard left from Dober ENDS Johnson and that’ll do it.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Drew Dober via TKO, punches, at 1:53 of Round 2
Mic time for Dober, he’s very happy then puts over Johnson and says he was scared about this fight. He talks us through the finish and says he’s got power but he’s really worked on his accuracy which is what brings that to life.
DREW DOBER KNOCKS OUT MICHAEL JOHNSON
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— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) March 8, 2026
OK, main event for the White House card, which we’re calling UFC Freedom 250, is Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje for the lightweight title with Ciryl Gane vs. Alex Pereira for the interim heavyweight title. Also Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi, Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler, Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus and Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia. Those are. . . some choices.
THE #UFCWhiteHouse CARD IS HERE
LIVE JUNE 14 on @ParamountPlus pic.twitter.com/KoBYGLbql9
— UFC (@ufc) March 8, 2026
Rob Font has been with the UFC since 2014 but he’s just 2-3 in his last five fights and most recently lost to David Martinez. Font really needs to avoid another losing streak here as at almost 40 years old he’s getting closer to the end of his career than the beginning of it. Raul Rosas Jr. has gone 5-1 in the UFC and is on a four fight winning streak, he’s getting a decent step up in class here though and a win would be the biggest of his career thus far. It’s not surprising Rosas is the -290 favorite to Font’s +235.
Bantamweight Bout: #13 Rob Font (22-9, 136 lbs.) vs. Raul Rosas Jr. (11-1, 135.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Rosas is an inch taller, Font has three and a half inches of reach advantage, and Rosas is 17 years younger. Circling from both men, both men do some stance switching as they move around. They’re both southpaw most of the time early. Font blocks a few punches. Inside leg kick from Font. Rosas misses a few kicks. Bit of a right from Font. Font with a stiff jab. Rosas avoids a looping right hand. Rosas lands an inside leg kick. Font keeps up the pressure and lands a right hand. Font gets close and hits the body then lands a right hand. Rosas avoids a left hand. Single leg from Rosas and he gets on top. Font gets full guard then goes towards rubber guard and uses that to scramble up but Rosas hits a takedown against the fence. Pretty quick wall walk from Font, Rosas slips behind him and starts holding. Rosas rides things back the knees, Font stands again then tries a granby roll but Rosas smothers it. Still no real offense from Rosas. Font to the turtle then stands, they’ll just end the round with Rosas still hugging.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Font as Rosas had no meaningful offense
ROUND TWO: Font avoids some early punches. Rosas blocks a few punches. Bit of a left hand from Rosas. Single leg from Rosas, Font counters though and spins to the ride position. Rosas is able to roll through and get on top, Font tries a triangle in transition but Rosas defends and settles into full guard. Font throws a few elbows from his back then goes to rubber guard again, he’s trying to get a scramble out of an omoplata attack but Rosas isn’t biting. Rosas moves to half guard, things are stalling out a bit though. Eventually Font moves to his base, blocks a back take then tries to come up on top but Rosas out scrambles him to get back on top in full guard. Again I have to point out, Rosas has done no damage. Ompplata attack from Font, he scrambles with it but Rosas runs him down and gets back on top. Rosas moves to half guard. Kimura attack from Font, he’s trying to use it to roll but Rosas is smothering him so far. More lay and pray from Rosas now from half guard. Finally a punch lands for Rosas. They’ll end the round on the mat again.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Rosas, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Font gets back to moving forward. Bit of a right hand from Font. Counter right from Font as he avoids a left hand. Right to the body from Font. Rosas does land a bit of a left hand. Font pushes close and lands an uppercut but Rosas then gets a takedown. Rosas mounts the legs and starts creeping up the body. Font gets to his knees and stands against the fence, Rosas holds his back again and we’re to hugging. Mat return from Rosas, he winds up moving to half guard. Font moves back up, Rosas holds the back and rides Font back to his knees. Rosas back to half guard and keeps holding. Don’t give this guy an interview please, this is painful. Font bases and stands with Rosas still on his back and holding. Bit of a mat return, Font stands again and gets mat returned again. They do that for a bit, the crowd is getting restless. Whole lot of nothing going on here, Font tries to roll for a kneebar but can’t find it as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Rosas, 29-28 Rosas overall but a terrible fight
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Raul Rosas Jr. via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Can’t stress how much Rosas should have lost the first round, but the second and third were his. For some God forsaken reason they give him mic time and he says it was just easy to mat return Rosas a lot. He puts over Font then says he should be ranked after this win, he shouldn’t but he will. Asked who he’d like next he wants a top 10 opponent, just give him Merab so Merab can end this silliness.
Caio Borralho has gone 7-1 in the UFC and just had a winning streak that dated back to 2015 broken by Nassourdine Imavov, he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak and hold position around the title picture. Reinier de Ridder is coming off of his first loss at middleweight when he tried for a fifth win in 12 months and that pace wound up being unsustainable. De Ridder now tries to avoid his first middleweight losing streak and to push back into the title picture. The odds are solidly with Borralho at -245 while a +200 comeback on de Ridder is a tempting little value find.
Middleweight Bout: #7 Caio Borralho (17-2 1 NC, 186 lbs.) vs. #8 Reinier de Ridder (21-3, 185.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: De Ridder is two and a half inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. Both men open southpaw, and Borralho fires a spinning back kick. Calf kicks go back and forth. Jab from de Ridder as they both keep landing calf kicks. Borralho avoids a reaching single leg from de Ridder. They clash on calf kicks. Bit of a left from de Ridder but Borralho counters with a right hook. Jab from de Ridder. Borralho lands a left hand then jumps into a knee to the groin so we’ve got a time out. It was a double knee to the groin, both men were throwing knees and hit the groin but de Ridder seemed to just eat it better while Borralho takes some time to recover. Borralho is good to continue after 1:33 . There’s a small cut around Borralho’s right eye, nothing major. De Ridder with a calf kick then left hand. Borralho lands a left hand. Right hook from Borralho. One two from Borralho. De Ridder lands a couple of jabs. Left hand from de Ridder then a right hook but Borralho avoids a potential clinch. Borralho lands a left hand, then another one. Check right hook from Borralho. Bit of a front kick from de Ridder. A couple calf kicks from de Ridder then a jab. Borralho lands a right to the body in close. De Ridder hits a double leg then gets to the back along the fence. Borralho looks to wall walk, de Ridder is on his back looking for mat returns while Borralho gets away with a few fence grabs. Some knees to the leg from de Ridder then they get chest to chest. Again de Ridder slips to the back and knees the leg while looking for mat returns. Single leg from de Ridder, they wrestle around with de Ridder holding a clinch and landing a knee as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Borralho but a close one
ROUND TWO: Quick right hand from Borralho. Bit of a left from de Ridder. Calf kick from Borralho. Looping right hand from de Ridder partially lands. A couple punches from Borralho then he avoids a clinch. De Ridder tries a double leg then they hit the fence. Outside trip from de Ridder and he slips to the back but Borralho gets chest to chest pretty quickly. They jockey for position, de Ridder lands a couple knees to the body while looking for trips. Level change from de Ridder, he tries a high crotch then lands some knees to the leg. They break without incident. A few jabs from de Ridder land. Borralho jabs the body then de Ridder lands a double jab. A couple punches from de Ridder then a knee. Borralho lands a calf kick but de Ridder lands a counter left. Left hand from de Ridder. Borralho avoids a clinch attempt. Stiff jab from de Ridder then they clinch and de Ridder hits the body as the round closes.
SCORECARD: 10-9 de Ridder but another close one, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Both men land punches to start the third. Jab from de Ridder. Borralho with a jab. Both men miss right hooks. Knee from de Ridder, Borralho then hits a takedown into half guard. De Ridder looks for a sweep, Borralho moves towards full mount though and de Ridder has to get half guard back. Not much going on how, Borralho looks to pass and gets to side control. De Ridder rolls and tries to attack a leg but Borralho smothers him. Eventually de Ridder moves to turtle then stands and they separate. Borralho avoids a few punches then de Ridder lands a body kick. Bit of a left from de Ridder. Another left from de Ridder but the man just doesn’t seem to have power in his hands. Borralho lands a calf kick. Double jab then a left hand from de Ridder. Borralho hits the body but he’s mostly trying to ice out a lead. Right hook from Borralho. A few jabs from de Ridder land. Calf kick from Borralho. Both men land rights. Both men miss head kicks to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Borralho, 29-28 Borralho overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Caio Borralho via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Not sure I buy Borralho winning the second but no issues with him winning overall. Mic time for Borralho, he’s very happy to finally get interviewed by Rogan as most of his other interviews were with other broadcasters. He says de Ridder is awkward and tall which meant he couldn’t get the finish, then says this is his comeback season and he’s still coming for the belt. He puts himself over and again says he wants to be champion, then says this journey is making him a better person and fighter. To close he calls out former champion Dricus du Plessis, which might not be the worst idea all around.
Charles Oliveira is a former lightweight champion and has a UFC career dating all the way back to 2010. Oliveira’s name is littered across the record books of the UFC including most submission wins (17), most finishes in UFC history (21), and most post fight bonuses (21) among others. Oliveira is after the BMF belt here and to get back into position to try and reclaim the lightweight title he fought for as recently as last year when he got knocked out by Ilia Topuria for the vacant strap. Max Holloway is a former featherweight champion, is the current BMF champion for whatever that’s worth, owns a bunch of records as well including most significant strikes landed in UFC history (3655), most bouts with 100 or more significant strikes (17), most significant strikes landed in a single fight (445 vs. Calvin Kattar) and second most significant strikes landed in a fight (209 vs. Brian Ortega), scored a beautiful and violent last second knockout win over Justin Gaethje to win the BMF belt then defended it his last time out and finally beat Dustin Poirier after twice falling to Poirier previously. Holloway got knocked out by Ilia Topuria at featherweight in a 2024 title fight but if he can get a win here he’ll be pretty close to a rematch with Topuria now at lightweight in another title fight. Holloway closed at -195 to Oliveira’s +165.
Lightweight “BMF” Title Bout: #4/(c) Max Holloway (27-8, 155 lbs.) vs. #3 Charles Oliveira (36-11 1 NC, 156 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Holloway is an inch taller while Oliveira has five inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Oliveira is orthodox and opens with a couple of calf kicks. Holloway with a quick one two then body jab. Another one two from Holloway then a combination. Oliveira bulls close and hits a body lock takedown into side control. Holloway scoots to the fence and starts working to wall walk. Oliveira drops a few elbows while turning things away from the fence. Oliveira gets the backpack position as Holloway stands and he starts looking for the choke. Holloway sinks back to his knees, Oliveira is really after the choke but he’s across the face right now. Some hand fighting from Holloway. Oliveira keeps just slowly looking to work for a choke. Body triangle now for Oliveira. A few short punches from Oliveira, nothing serious but he’s trying to open up a choke. Holloway fights off a neck crank then mugs for the camera a bit as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Oliveira
ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Front kick from Oliveira. Both men land jabs then Holloway with a combination. They trade front kicks then Oliveira pushes into a clinch and hits a takedown into full guard. Holloway looks to wall walk, Oliveira moves to half guard and attacks a kaiju choke. Oliveira bails on that attack but gets the back with a body triangle. Elbows from Oliveira land. Another choke attack from Oliveira, it’s across the face but it’s still tight and Holloway has to hand fight to break the attack. The problem is Holloway isn’t leg pummeling to fight the body triangle and Oliveira is able to keep the thing locked in. The round will end with Oliveira still on Holloway’s back.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Oliveira, borderline 10-8 but I’m not feeling generous, 20-18 Oliveira overall
ROUND THREE: Oliveira gets back to moving forward. Holloway lands a right hand. Some jabs from Holloway land. Oliveira pushes into a clinch and lands a knee to the body. A few knees go back and forth, then Oliveira hits an upper body takedown into side control. Oliveira moves towards full mount but gets caught in quarter guard. The full mount is inevitable and Oliveira gets it. Holloway gives up the back to try and hip escape, Oliveira lands an elbow but Holloway does get half guard. Elbow from Oliveira. That’s where the round will end as Oliveira keeps just riding this out.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Oliveira, 30-27 Oliveira overall
ROUND FOUR: We open the fourth round with a near low blow to Holloway. Calf kick from Oliveira. Holloway with some jabs but Oliveira counters with a right hand. Uppercut from Holloway then a left hand. Oliveira pushes into a clinch and they spin around on the fence for a bit. Eventually Oliveira gets a harai goshi but with a headlock and he lands on top in side control. A few knees to the body from Oliveira. Oliveira moves towards full mount and lands a couple elbows. Holloway gives up the back and Oliveira keeps throwing some elbows before locking in a body triangle. Oliveira keeps up the short punches trying to open up a choke but wont find anything before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Oliveira, 40-36 Oliveira overall
ROUND FIVE: They touch gloves for the final round. Oblique kicks go back and forth then they trade rights. Oliveira tries a takedown but Holloway defends and knees him in the body then winds up on top in half guard. It’s nice to be on top for Holloway but he needs a finish. Oliveira looks to sweep, Holloway with a few body shots but he can’t get any real offense at the moment. Things are stalling, Oliveira then looks to tie up a leg and comes up on a single leg which he finishes into full guard and that’ll be the fight in all likelihood. Things are stalling again and slowly Oliveira passes to half guard. Holloway gets guard back and wall walks, Oliveira moves to the back standing though and keeps holding. They break and we get one very brief exchange where they trade rights before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Oliveira, 50-45 Oliveira overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – and NEW “BMF” Champion Charles Oliveira via unanimous decision (50-45 x3)
Sadly one sided, and equally sadly nothing here made me think Oliveira could beat Ilia Topuria. Mic time for Oliveira and the translator, he’s got his whole family with him which is pretty cool. He thanks God first for everything he has then puts over Holloway as a tough opponent. Asked about the future he wants to fight at the White House or for the title, then claims this if Fight of the Night which seems like a dubious claim.
They give Holloway an interview too, he says Oliveira had a better game plan and puts him over. Asked about the future he wants to come back and whoop some ass then get into title contention again, he does mention a potential third fight with Oliveira. There’s no appetite for that right now but down the line maybe.
Well that’s it for UFC 326, frankly a disappointment and my expectations were pretty low overall. But we’ll be unpacking all the fallout on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast plus looking ahead to UFC Fight Night 269 back in the warehouse. I’ll be back for that event and I hope you will to. Until then thank you so much for reading, be that live or after the fact, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.
