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Mario Bautista secured a split-decision victory over the legendary Jose Aldo at UFC Fight Night. The official scorecards read 28-29, 29-28, and 29-28, favoring Bautista’s grappling over Aldo’s superior striking. It was a matchup of control versus damage, and while the judges sided with Bautista’s ability to dictate positioning, many fans, and even one of the judges, felt that Aldo had done enough to claim victory.
The Fight Breakdown of Jose Aldo vs Mario Bautista
The bout was a classic clash of styles: Aldo, a renowned striker, controlled the stand-up exchanges, landing crisp combinations and stuffing every one of Bautista’s takedown attempts. His ability to neutralize Bautista’s offensive wrestling was on full display, frustrating Bautista, who failed to get Aldo to the ground despite numerous attempts.
However, what Bautista lacked in takedown success, he made up for in clinch work and control. Although unable to drag Aldo to the mat, Bautista’s relentless pressure against the cage racked up significant control time. Time and again, he pressed Aldo to the fence, securing body locks and wearing on the former champion in a move that seemed to score well with the judges.
The Decision
The final bell left the crowd on edge, unsure of which way the decision would go. Many anticipated Aldo would take the fight based on his clean striking and the fact that Bautista’s takedowns were repeatedly shut down. One of the judges saw it that way as well, giving Aldo the nod on their scorecard. The other two, however, valued Bautista’s ability to control Aldo, even if it meant spending much of the fight pinned against the fence rather than scoring meaningful offense.
What’s Next?
For Bautista this win over a UFC icon is a huge feather in his cap, but it’s unlikely to quiet those questioning the legitimacy of the decision. As for Aldo, his legacy is far from tarnished by the loss but it displays he may have a tougher battle climbing the bantamweight division than he thought. Both fighters’ futures remain bright, we haven't seen the last of Jose Aldo and he knows what it takes to be a champion. Mario Bautista is hungry and stacking a solid win streak, will he be in the title contender talk soon?
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