A middleweight match-up between Donte Johnson and Cody Brundage was set to see a few more eyeballs than usual at UFC 326.
A preliminary card bout, the fight was the first of a two-hour block set to air on CBS as well as Paramount+. The broadcast network was showing the final hour of the night’s preliminary card, plus the first hour of the main card, in a special presentation to viewers.
To start the opening round, Brundage shot forward landing a takedown to start the fight. Brundage stayed on top until the two minute mark of the round, when Johnson returned to his feet. Brundage landed a solid straight right hand as Johnson came forward. Johnson began to land some solid shots against he fence but the bell sounded ending the round, with Brundage jumping out to an early lead.
In the second, Johnson came out as the aggressor pressing Brundage to the fence with forward movement. Brundage shot for a takedown but was unsuccessful as Johnson reversed position, ending up on top. Brundage was able to reverse position on the ground, gaining back control while threatening submissions. Johnson was able to escape, landing big ground strikes near the cage. With a minute remaining in the round, Johnson was in control of a headlock position. At the twenty second in the round Brundage was poked in the eye as action stopped momentarily. Entering the third the contest easily could have been scored one round apiece.
Johnson plotted forward in the third looking to land big shots. Brundage was able to land a few counter shots that scored points early. Johnson continued to walk Brundage down, but his activity and volume had dropped tremendously since the first. Brundage landed a good left hook on the inside as Johnson crashed forward. Brundage initiated the clinch after getting hit with a right hook, pressing the fight to the fence. Brundage shot in on for a takedown in the final thirty seconds, but it was defended by Johnson. Both fighters exchanged big shots at the bell, with the fight going to the judges scorecards.
The judges had the fight scored a split decision with two favoring Johnson and the other going with Brundage. Johnson added crucial experience in this fight going the distance and remaining undefeated.
Official Result: Donte Johnson def. Cody Brundage by split decision (29–28, 28–29, 29–28)
