It’s the Battle of the Low Blows on Saturday night, as Xiao Long faces the debuting Francesco Nuzzi in a bantamweight clash at UFC Fight Night: Nurmagomedov vs. Song in Shanghai, China.
Xiao (27–11, 1–3 UFC) squandered a decision victory over former champ Cody Garbrandt at UFC 326 in March, getting two points deducted for a pair of low blows within 30 seconds of each other. Nuzzi (11–2, 0–0 UFC) makes his UFC debut after an April no-contest against Manoel Silva in Cage Warriors, which was called off after he delivered a swift knee to his opponent’s nether regions.
Xiao enters as a -180 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Nuzzi is a +150 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 2.5 rounds.
Xiao vs. Nuzzi Preview
Xiao Long
- 27–11 (1–2 UFC)
- 5–3 (T)KO
- 9–0 SUB
Xiao Long let victory slip through his fingers in his last trip to the Octagon, dropping a decision to former champion Cody Garbrandt after landing repeated low blows. The Chinese contender, 28, was in full control of the fight, now looking to brush off the frustrating result as he attempts to snap a two-fight skid.
The Road to UFC and Dana White’s Contender Series alum is a high-output striker with knockout power, as evidenced by his knockout win over Quang Le in his 2024 debut. He’s also equipped with a dangerous ground game; he doesn’t lean on his grappling as much as he used to, but could reach back into his bag against Francesco Nuzzi, whose only pro losses have come by submission. But perhaps Xiao’s greatest advantage comes from his wealth of MMA experience — he enters Saturday’s bout in his home country with 38 pro fights (including three UFC appearances) under his belt.
Francesco Nuzzi
- 11–2 (Debut)
- 5–0 (T)KO
- 3–2 SUB
Ironically enough, Francesco Nuzzi’s last bout was also defined by a low blow. Facing Manoel Silva in Cage Warriors, the Italian contender, 29, delivered a crushing knee in the first round that impeded his opponent from continuing. Even so, “Berserker” heads into his Octagon debut as a formidable stoppage artist with a 73 percent finish rate across regional promotions.
While a powerful, kick-heavy striker, Nuzzi has shown vulnerability against grapplers — both his professional losses have come by first-round submission. He also remains unproven under the bright lights; his two PFL appearances resulted in a no contest and a defeat. And on Saturday, Nuzzi will unlock a whole new level of competition in the seasoned Xiao Long.
Xiao vs. Nuzzi Pick, Best Bet
Rarely does a younger fighter arrive with considerably more experience and proven ability. Although his UFC record may not show it, Xiao Long has put forth several strong performances inside the Octagon. He now fights in his home country against the debuting Francesco Nuzzi, a respectable contender but unverified on the sport’s biggest stage. Xiao should be the aggressor from the opening bell, and he may even dip into his grappling background to induce a tap-out. Either way, the Chinese favorite should get the job done Saturday night in Shanghai.
