Mario Bautista enters UFC 321 riding one of the longest active win streaks in the bantamweight division — a testament to his relentless pace, refined grappling, and ever-evolving striking. Once seen as a dark horse in the division, Bautista has transformed into a legitimate top-10 contender with eyes set on the elite. As he prepares for his biggest challenge yet against Umar Nurmagomedov, here are Mario Bautista’s three defining performances that paved his way to UFC 321.
1. Bautista vs. José Aldo – UFC 307 (Salt Lake City)
In the most high-profile win of his career, Bautista defeated former featherweight champion José Aldo via split decision in a thrilling three-round battle. Despite being unable to secure takedowns, Bautista’s striking volume, pace, and conditioning allowed him to outlast the legendary Brazilian. The upset victory marked his arrival as a bona fide contender and proved he could hang with former world champions.
2. Bautista vs. Patchy Mix – UFC 316 (Newark)
Taking on former Bellator champion Patchy Mix, Bautista showcased his tactical composure and fight IQ. Mixing feints, clinch control, and slick movement, he neutralized Mix’s grappling threats en route to a dominant unanimous-decision win. The performance underscored Bautista’s adaptability and discipline under pressure while extending his win streak to eight.
3. Bautista vs. Ricky Simón – UFC Fight Night 234 (Las Vegas)
In a pivotal matchup against perennial contender Ricky Simón, Bautista displayed his most complete MMA skill set to date. He combined sharp boxing combinations with airtight takedown defense and constant forward pressure, earning a clear unanimous-decision victory. The performance solidified his standing among the bantamweight elite and set the stage for his 2025 breakthrough campaign.