Fight Overview
On March 7, 2026, Donte Johnson faced Cody Brundage at UFC 326, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. This bout was part of the preliminary card, which featured several notable fights, including the main event between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira.
Fight Progression
The fight began with Brundage successfully landing a takedown in the first round, taking advantage of Johnson’s initial grappling weaknesses. However, as the fight progressed, Johnson began to assert himself, becoming the aggressor in the second round. He managed to reverse the position on the ground, demonstrating his improvement in grappling.
During the second round, the action was briefly halted when Brundage suffered an eye poke. This stoppage allowed both fighters a moment to regroup before resuming the contest.
Final Rounds
In the third round, Johnson continued to push forward, looking to land significant strikes despite a noticeable drop in activity. His strategy paid off as he was able to secure the judges’ favor. The judges ultimately scored the fight 29–28, 28–29, and 29–28, resulting in a split decision victory for Johnson.
Johnson’s performance was noted for showing marked improvement in both grappling and striking, a positive sign for his future in the sport. The announcer confirmed the result, stating, “Official Result: Donte Johnson def. Cody Brundage by split decision (29–28, 28–29, 29–28).” This victory keeps Johnson’s record undefeated, a significant achievement as he continues to build his career in the UFC.
Brundage, on the other hand, faced challenges throughout the fight, particularly as he tired himself out in the first round. Analysts noted that while Johnson appeared raw at times, his performance was sufficient to overcome an opponent coming off a TKO loss just months prior.