Mario Bautista delivered a statement win at UFC 316, handing former Bellator champion Patchy Mix his first UFC defeat by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) Bautista’s eighth consecutive victory showcased his dominance in the bantamweight division, as he controlled the fight from start to finish, exploiting Mix’s rigid stance and neutralizing his famed wrestling.
Patchy Mix, who entered the UFC with high expectations after winning Bellator’s bantamweight Grand Prix, struggled to adapt and failed to secure a single takedown in three rounds Despite the setback, Mix remained defiant, emphasizing the short-notice nature of the bout and pledging to return stronger: “I’m proud to represent my hometown… I’ll come back stronger from this,” he stated after the fight.
Bautista’s latest win, following a controversial victory over Jose Aldo, cements his status as a serious contender in the stacked bantamweight division. With Ali Abdelaziz managing several top names in the weight class, the path to a title shot could see further shake-ups as both UFC and Bellator veterans continue to collide at 135 pounds.
