"I think it will be a really good match-up for me with my opponent. I think the UFC [has] big trust [in] me. I won't miss this chance. Of course I know he's really popular and really famous in this division, but I won't miss this chance, and I'll let everybody know me."
"The Road tournament was a big setup, a really good setup for me to get into the UFC. Because all the opponents [were] grapplers, and that made me improve my grappling. Last two years when I get to the Road to UFC and I fight with a grappler, it's also a really good experience for me."
Xiao Long, a 27-year-old Chinese bantamweight with a 27-10 professional record, is competing in his fourth UFC fight against former champion Cody Garbrandt at UFC 326 in Las Vegas. Long enters the bout with a 1-2 UFC record following a loss to Su Young You. He progressed through Road to UFC and Dana White's Contender Series before earning this high-profile matchup. Long expresses confidence in the opportunity, stating the UFC demonstrates trust in him. He acknowledges Garbrandt's popularity and championship pedigree but remains determined to prove himself. Long credits his Road to UFC experience, particularly facing grapplers, with improving his grappling skills and providing valuable professional experience.
Read at Cageside Press
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]