Tag: Mario Bautista

Mario Bautista Blames José Aldo For Grappling-Heavy UFC 307 Ending: ‘He Chose To Stay There’

Bantamweight contender Mario Bautista believes the criticism of how his fight with José Aldo unfolded at UFC 307 should be directed at the Brazilian. The pair collided on the main card of this past weekend’s pay-per-view event in Salt Lake City, with Bautista looking to replace Aldo inside the top 10 at 135 pounds. Across […]

Continue Reading Mario Bautista Blames José Aldo For Grappling-Heavy UFC 307 Ending: ‘He Chose To Stay There’ at MMA News.

Bantamweight contender Mario Bautista believes the criticism of how his fight with José Aldo unfolded at UFC 307 should be directed at the Brazilian.

The pair collided on the main card of this past weekend’s pay-per-view event in Salt Lake City, with Bautista looking to replace Aldo inside the top 10 at 135 pounds.

Across three rounds, the 31-year-old achieved that feat, extending his winning run to seven and securing a rise to #9 in the rankings by falling on the right side of a split decision verdict in Utah.

The manner with which he had his hand raised, however, caused considerable debate online, with many suggesting that his low-action grappling was over-rewarded by two judges.

Bautista Claims Aldo Could Have Escaped Positions At UFC 307, Opted Not To

During a recent interview on MMA Junkie Radio, Bautista reflected on his successful display in Salt Lake City on Oct. 5, which saw his record’s win column receive its biggest addition to date.

The 31-year-old questioned the reaction to his approach in round three, insisting that any and all backlash to the way the fight concluded should be directed at Aldo.

“I just wanted him to keep on working. I just wanted him to break out of the clinch, use that energy to get out. And then just kind of stay stuck to him. Keep him working, working,” Bautista said. “I just didn’t really think he was going to — I don’t know, I guess just stay on the wall.

“I thought he was going to get out. … There were points where like, yeah he was defending the takedown and maybe he could have circled off, but he just chose to stay there,” Bautista continued. “Yeah, I was holding him against the cage. But at the same, I think he did have opportunities to circle off, it’s just he chose not to. … Maybe that’s his resting area. … ‘Maybe the ref will separate us and I’ll be able to get my strikes off,’ and this and that.”

Bautista went on to say that, as a fan of the sport himself, frustration in that situation should always be toward the fighter who is unable to break the clinch and circle away.

In addition to the portions of the fanbase giving him stick, Bautista also hit back at one specific individual on social media post-fight, taking aim at Henry Cejudo for the former champ’s negative assessment of his UFC 307 performance.

Continue Reading Mario Bautista Blames José Aldo For Grappling-Heavy UFC 307 Ending: ‘He Chose To Stay There’ at MMA News.

TJ Dillashaw ‘Not Mad’ With José Aldo Losing UFC 307 Decision: ‘Lost The Fight Himself’

Former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw doesn’t have much sympathy for José Aldo after he came up short in Salt Lake City this past weekend. Aldo returned on the main card of the UFC 307 pay-per-view on Oct. 5, making his second appearance inside the Octagon since bringing his short-lived retirement to an end in […]

Continue Reading TJ Dillashaw ‘Not Mad’ With José Aldo Losing UFC 307 Decision: ‘Lost The Fight Himself’ at MMA News.

Former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw doesn’t have much sympathy for José Aldo after he came up short in Salt Lake City this past weekend.

Aldo returned on the main card of the UFC 307 pay-per-view on Oct. 5, making his second appearance inside the Octagon since bringing his short-lived retirement to an end in Rio de Janeiro earlier this year.

While the Brazilian immediately forged a path back into the rankings at 135 pounds by getting the better of Jonathan Martinez, Mario Bautista was able to spoil his plans for a late-career title shot in Utah.

The 33-year-old fell on the right side of a split decision verdict, a result that proved controversial. Many gave the nod to Aldo after determining that Bautista didn’t do enough with his control against the cage.

UFC CEO Dana White was among those questioning the two judges who leant the way of Bautista. One of the division’s former titleholders, however, saw no issue with the result…

Dillashaw: Aldo ‘Kept Himself’ Against The Cage

During a recent episode of the JAXXON PODCAST, Dillashaw reflected on the events that unfolded at UFC 307, including the main card clash in the weight class he formerly ruled over.

Dillashaw differed from many with his take on Aldo vs. Bautista. He insisted that the ex-featherweight kingpin could have done much more to avoid granting Bautista such a long period of control in round three, which ultimately proved to be the difference.

“It surprises me…there’s techniques like this that (Aldo) doesn’t like — get off the cage,” Dillashaw said. “The loss for him, like with the fight cards, they thought Aldo should’ve won. I don’t know. He kept himself there (against the cage). Like, I’m not too mad. He lost the fight himself.”

It remains to be seen what comes next for Aldo, who was hoping to defend his spot inside the bantamweight top 10 in Salt Lake City before focusing on those above him.

With his UFC 307 loss marking the first bout on a new multi-fight deal with MMA’s leading promotion, Aldo will likely look to rebound and revive his ongoing ambitions inside the Octagon soon enough.

Continue Reading TJ Dillashaw ‘Not Mad’ With José Aldo Losing UFC 307 Decision: ‘Lost The Fight Himself’ at MMA News.

Sean O’Malley’s Coach Called ‘Hypocrite’ For Supporting Mario Bautista’s UFC 307 Win After Bashing Merab Dvalishvili

Alongside Alex Pereira brutally breaking down Khalil Rountree, a major highlight of UFC 307 was the controversial officiating. Four fighters won via split decision, including Mario Bautista who beat José Aldo. Fans didn’t seem happy with Bautista keeping the former UFC featherweight champ in a clinch. The rising bantamweight prospect couldn’t secure a single takedown […]

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley’s Coach Called ‘Hypocrite’ For Supporting Mario Bautista’s UFC 307 Win After Bashing Merab Dvalishvili at MMA News.

Alongside Alex Pereira brutally breaking down Khalil Rountree, a major highlight of UFC 307 was the controversial officiating. Four fighters won via split decision, including Mario Bautista who beat José Aldo.

Fans didn’t seem happy with Bautista keeping the former UFC featherweight champ in a clinch. The rising bantamweight prospect couldn’t secure a single takedown despite ten attempts and even during the clinch, he prioritized control over damage which was unusual.

Bautista belongs to the same team as Sean O’Malley and the latter’s coach Tim Welch backed his fighter for trying to win the fight. However, he was instantly called out for doing so…

Sean O’Malley’s Coach Explains Why Mario Bautista Played It Safe Against José Aldo At UFC 307

While reacting to UFC 307 on his YouTube channel, Tim Welch looked elated for Bautista winning his seventh fight in a row. With a couple more wins, he can aim to enter the top five and eventually fight for the UFC bantamweight title.

To be fair, Bautista has always been an active fighter inside the Octagon. His wins over Ricky Simón and Jin Soo Son are great examples of the same. He possesses several tools, including shoulder strikes and knees that work like a charm during a clinch.

According to Welch, the American fighter kept it safe against Aldo to make sure he won the fight and got the full pay. While this is an understandable take, the coach was instantly called out for heavily criticizing Merab Dvalishvili’s wrestling-heavy game plan against O’Malley.

“People are pissed about it. But you got to remember, Mario’s got a family and if he loses the fight, he makes half the amount of money he would’ve if he would win the fight. He’s not going to make a crazy amount of money, a big win bonus, if he goes and sits and slugs it out and potentially gets KO’ed by one of the nastiest strikers ever. He went in there with good game plan, he came in in shape, he did what he had to do to win the fight and if you were in that position, you’d probably do the same.”

Some fans also pointed out that Dvalishvili was more active than Bautista. The UFC bantamweight champion not only secured several takedowns at UFC 306 but also remained active on the ground. So, Welch favoring Bautista after rejecting Dvalishvili didn’t sit well with many.

Comments on Tim Welch's YouTube video calling him a hypocrite
Image: Tim Welch on YouTube

It is worth noting that Welch has recently admitted to “Machine” having a great game plan against O’Malley at UFC 306. However, it seems like most people in the MMA circle still remember him trying to claim “Suga” won and rooting for damage-based scoring in fights.

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley’s Coach Called ‘Hypocrite’ For Supporting Mario Bautista’s UFC 307 Win After Bashing Merab Dvalishvili at MMA News.

Sean O’Malley’s Coach Called ‘Hypocrite’ For Supporting Mario Bautista’s UFC 307 Win After Bashing Merab Dvalishvili

Alongside Alex Pereira brutally breaking down Khalil Rountree, a major highlight of UFC 307 was the controversial officiating. Four fighters won via split decision, including Mario Bautista who beat José Aldo. Fans didn’t seem happy with Bautista keeping the former UFC featherweight champ in a clinch. The rising bantamweight prospect couldn’t secure a single takedown […]

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley’s Coach Called ‘Hypocrite’ For Supporting Mario Bautista’s UFC 307 Win After Bashing Merab Dvalishvili at MMA News.

Alongside Alex Pereira brutally breaking down Khalil Rountree, a major highlight of UFC 307 was the controversial officiating. Four fighters won via split decision, including Mario Bautista who beat José Aldo.

Fans didn’t seem happy with Bautista keeping the former UFC featherweight champ in a clinch. The rising bantamweight prospect couldn’t secure a single takedown despite ten attempts and even during the clinch, he prioritized control over damage which was unusual.

Bautista belongs to the same team as Sean O’Malley and the latter’s coach Tim Welch backed his fighter for trying to win the fight. However, he was instantly called out for doing so…

Sean O’Malley’s Coach Explains Why Mario Bautista Played It Safe Against José Aldo At UFC 307

While reacting to UFC 307 on his YouTube channel, Tim Welch looked elated for Bautista winning his seventh fight in a row. With a couple more wins, he can aim to enter the top five and eventually fight for the UFC bantamweight title.

To be fair, Bautista has always been an active fighter inside the Octagon. His wins over Ricky Simón and Jin Soo Son are great examples of the same. He possesses several tools, including shoulder strikes and knees that work like a charm during a clinch.

According to Welch, the American fighter kept it safe against Aldo to make sure he won the fight and got the full pay. While this is an understandable take, the coach was instantly called out for heavily criticizing Merab Dvalishvili’s wrestling-heavy game plan against O’Malley.

“People are pissed about it. But you got to remember, Mario’s got a family and if he loses the fight, he makes half the amount of money he would’ve if he would win the fight. He’s not going to make a crazy amount of money, a big win bonus, if he goes and sits and slugs it out and potentially gets KO’ed by one of the nastiest strikers ever. He went in there with good game plan, he came in in shape, he did what he had to do to win the fight and if you were in that position, you’d probably do the same.”

Some fans also pointed out that Dvalishvili was more active than Bautista. The UFC bantamweight champion not only secured several takedowns at UFC 306 but also remained active on the ground. So, Welch favoring Bautista after rejecting Dvalishvili didn’t sit well with many.

Comments on Tim Welch's YouTube video calling him a hypocrite
Image: Tim Welch on YouTube

It is worth noting that Welch has recently admitted to “Machine” having a great game plan against O’Malley at UFC 306. However, it seems like most people in the MMA circle still remember him trying to claim “Suga” won and rooting for damage-based scoring in fights.

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley’s Coach Called ‘Hypocrite’ For Supporting Mario Bautista’s UFC 307 Win After Bashing Merab Dvalishvili at MMA News.

‘Dirt Decision’ – Conor McGregor & Others Take Issue With Judges As José Aldo Falls Short At UFC 307

José Aldo came close but ultimately fell short in a decision at UFC 307, losing to Mario Bautista. Bautista looked to take control of the action right away, bringing out a heavy leg kick attack — landing 23 of them in the first round. Additionally, Aldo seemed inactive outside of a few late shots, with […]

Continue Reading ‘Dirt Decision’ – Conor McGregor & Others Take Issue With Judges As José Aldo Falls Short At UFC 307 at MMA News.

José Aldo came close but ultimately fell short in a decision at UFC 307, losing to Mario Bautista.

Bautista looked to take control of the action right away, bringing out a heavy leg kick attack — landing 23 of them in the first round. Additionally, Aldo seemed inactive outside of a few late shots, with the American landing his fair share and pinning the former featherweight champion against the fence more than once.

Aldo, however, landed a pair of harsh jabs, one of which busted Bautista open around one of his eyes. The Brazilian started to work his jabs and combinations. The 31-year-old, however, continued to bring forward pressure and looked to tire Aldo out further with his wrestling-based attack.

Bautista continued to bring his pressure into the third round. And while Aldo tried to get anything going, the #11-ranked contender continued to go for takedowns and use a wrestle-heavy approach, forcing Aldo to defend.

Mario Bautista Stalls Title Plans Of Former Champion José Aldo Via Split Decision At UFC 307

After initially retiring in late 2022 following a loss to current UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili, Aldo returned to the Octagon at UFC 301 this past May, defeating Jonathan Martinez. “Junior,” a former UFC featherweight champion, was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023.

Bautista, meanwhile, entered tonight on a six-fight win streak, most recently defeating Ricky Simón at the UFC Apex in January.

Continue Reading ‘Dirt Decision’ – Conor McGregor & Others Take Issue With Judges As José Aldo Falls Short At UFC 307 at MMA News.

“This fire is back again” – Jose Aldo Eyes UFC Gold After 307 Victory Against Mario Bautista

"This fire is back again" - Jose Aldo Eyes UFC Gold After 307 Victory Against Mario BautistaFollowing a dominant performance against Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301, Jose Aldo signed a new deal with the promotion…

"This fire is back again" - Jose Aldo Eyes UFC Gold After 307 Victory Against Mario Bautista

Following a dominant performance against Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301, Jose Aldo signed a new deal with the promotion and is now setting his sights on once again becoming a world champion.

On Saturday, ‘Junior’ will seek another big win when he meets Mario Bautista at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City. Speaking about his return to the Octagon during Wednesday’s UFC media day, Aldo had hoped to walk straight into a bantamweight title fight in his next outing.

Instead, he’ll be tasked with taking out the division’s No. 11 ranked contender.

081923 Mario Bautista Hand Raise UFC 292 Hero

“I even thought I could go straight for the title, but it didn’t happen, but as I said, I accept any challenge,” Aldo said during UFC 307 media day on Wednesday. “This is my life, to fight and win regardless of the opponent, Mario or Jonathan. Since the UFC put him, I have to fight. If that’s what I want to become champion, then I’ll face anyone” (h/t MMA Fighting).

While Aldo has respect for Bautista and what he’s accomplished inside the Octagon thus far, the former featherweight king firmly believes that he’s levels above the streaking standout.

“I see this as another test,” Aldo said. “They were testing me last time to see if I still wanted this or not. Like it or not, I have a different level. It’s another test to me to get closer to the belt, which is my goal.”

Jose Aldo

Jose Aldo laments his performance against merab dvalishvili in 2022

With a win over Bautista in The Crossroads of the West, Jose Aldo hopes he’ll curry enough favor with the promotion to earn a rematch with reigning bantamweight champ Merab Davalishvili. Before ‘The Machine’ captured the 135-pound crown last month via a dominant decision victory over Sean O’Malley, he bested ‘Junior’ at UFC 278 two years ago.

Jose Aldo

Aldo recognizes that his performance against Dvalishvili was not his best and he’s eager to get another crack at the Georgian, especially with him laying claim to the bantamweight belt.

“My performance wasn’t good that night,” Aldo said. “It wasn’t my fault or Merab’s, but the referee let the fight stay too long against the fence, and it was very boring. There was no fight, basically. I was very sad. Everybody comes to a fight expecting the best of Aldo and I couldn’t show them was I was capable of that night.

“The fire was out. Last time I left this place feeling really sad, knowing I wouldn’t go back to the octagon again, and two years later this fire is back again. I trained so hard. Those around me in the gym can say that. The young ones in the gym had their jaws dropped, saying, ‘Damn, this guy is a phenom. He’s accomplished everything and is still here putting on his best performance.’ The fire is burning. I want to put on a great fight. I have to win this fight, and I know I’ll be close to a title shot.”