Mario Bautista’s impressive run through the UFC bantamweight division finally hit a wall at UFC 321, where he dropped a unanimous decision to top contender Umar Nurmagomedov. Prior to that setback, Bautista had won eight straight, including victories over Patchy Mix, José Aldo, Ricky Simón, and Benito Lopez, showing off rapidly improving wrestling, submission skills, and relentless pace. Bautista is still ranked No. 9 and remains a dangerous threat to any elite bantamweight. Now he needs an opponent who can propel him back toward contention.
A rematch with Cory Sandhagen is perfect. Sandhagen, ranked No. 4, just lost a title fight to Merab Dvalishvili but remains one of the division’s most creative and technical strikers. Their first meeting in 2019 saw Sandhagen finish Bautista by submission, but both fighters have evolved considerably since then. Bautista’s grappling improvements and Sandhagen’s commitment to mixing up his offense make for a competitive and meaningful next step. For Bautista, a victory could position him for another top-five opponent. For Sandhagen, it is a chance to hold his ground in the stacked bantamweight division.
Last Five Fights – Mario Bautista:
Win over Patchy Mix – Decision (unanimous), UFC 316 (June 7, 2025)
Win over José Aldo – Decision (split), UFC 307 (October 5, 2024)
Win over Ricky Simón – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2 (January 13, 2024)
Win over Da'Mon Blackshear – Decision (unanimous), UFC 292 (August 19, 2023)
Loss to Umar Nurmagomedov – Decision (unanimous), UFC 321 (October 25, 2025)
Last Five Fights – Cory Sandhagen:
Loss to Merab Dvalishvili – Decision (unanimous), UFC 320 (October 4, 2025)
Win over Deiveson Figueiredo – TKO (knee injury), UFC on ESPN 67 (May 3, 2025)
Loss to Umar Nurmagomedov – Decision (unanimous), UFC on ABC 7 (August 3, 2024)
Win over Rob Font – Decision (unanimous), UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Font (August 5, 2023)
Win over Marlon Vera – Decision (split), UFC on ESPN: Vera vs. Sandhagen (March 25, 2023)
A Bautista vs. Sandhagen fight is the right blend of timing, relevance, and styles. It promises a high-paced technical battle with real divisional implications.