Looking to kickstart a run towards the bantamweight world title, Jose Aldo returned to the Octagon on Saturday night for a clash with No. 11 ranked contender Mario Bautista.
Following a big win over Jonathan Martinez in May, ‘Junior’ believes he could be one big win away from a potential shot at the 135-pound crown. Standing in his way at UFC 307 was Bautista—an American-born scrapper sitting on a six-fight win streak and an impressive 14-2 overall record in mixed martial arts.
Round 1
Bautista starts things with a calf kick and Aldo fires one right back. Bautista pressures Aldo early, but eats a counter right during an exchange. That doesn’t deter Bautista from moving in as he clinches up with Aldo against the fence which already has the Salt Lake City crowd frustrated. Bautista is content to hold position and start attacking Aldo’s legs with some stiff knees. Halfway through the round, Aldo manages to break away and separate.
Aldo fires a lead leg attack and Bautista throws a nice right hand that connects before shooting in and clinching up once again. Aldo again separates and Bautista wings a shot that Aldo blocks. Bautista fires off another combination, but Aldo makes him pay with a right hand over the top. Aldo fires off a few more low kicks. Bautista attempts to respond but fails to land before the horn.
Round 2
Aldo throws a knee right up the middle and Bautista comes over top with a right hand. Bautista is showing some redness on his lead leg and appears to be busted open near his right eye—perhaps from a jab. It appears to be affecting Bautista’s vision prompting him to shoot for a takedown. Aldo fends it off and lands a couple of nice shots on Bautista in the process. Aldo is starting to flow, but he’s lowering his hands.
Bautista shoots in for a takedown. Aldo stays upright but is backed up against the cage wall. Bautista holds position but is offering little in the way of offense. Bautista throws a shoulder strike before a level change. Unable to secure the takedown, Bautista separates and the two fighters exchange strikes in close. Aldo lands a stiff jab. With just over a minute to go in the round, Bautista shoots in for another takedown.
With the clock winding down, Bautista goes for a flying knee but narrowly misses. In the closing seconds, Bautista clinches up and holds position for the remainder of the round.
Round 3
Both fighters come out flinging jabs in the opening minute of the third and final round. Bautista keeps the pressure on, but Aldo is looking to land a big counter. Bautista lands a leg kick and Aldo responds with another jab. Aldo offers a left hook that partially connects. The volume is slowing between the two fighters as we approach the two-minute mark of the round. Bautista shoots in for his seventh takedown attempt but only manages to press the former featherweight champ up against the fence.
Bautista nearly takes Aldo down, but ‘Junior’ stays upright. Bautista is content to control the fight against the fence, but referee Mike Beltran separates them due to the inactivity. Bautista goes right back to the clinch game. Aldo tries to fight his way free and does so with 40 seconds left in the fight. Aldo marches forward and lands a right hand. Bautista again grabs ahold of Aldo and pushes his back against the fence. Aldo breaks away and tries to land a hail mary shot, but is unable to do so before the final seconds tick off the clock.
Official Result: Mario Bautista def. Jose Aldo via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Check Out Highlights From Jose Aldo vs. Mario Bautista at UFC 307:
Fireworks in this bantamweight banger! Jose Aldo vs Mario Bautista collide right now!! 🔥 #UFC307 pic.twitter.com/M8gndjNWli
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) October 6, 2024
UFC 307 live: Jose Aldo vs. Mario Bautista.
Check out the UFC 307 featured main card fight live Stream Link.🔴>>>https://t.co/wNkzqkbS1z pic.twitter.com/drmTeSBQbu
— ESPN Live Network (@espnnetworklive) October 6, 2024
UFC 307 live: Jose Aldo vs. Mario Bautista
Round 3 | Check out the UFC 307 featured main card fight live pic.twitter.com/NUiTTBFjak
— ESPN Live Network (@espnnetworklive) October 6, 2024
UFC 307 live: Jose Aldo vs. Mario Bautista
Winner: Mario Bautista https://t.co/TnqPiTL9Mb pic.twitter.com/1JVAe10aVP
— ESPN Live Network (@espnnetworklive) October 6, 2024
