Mario Bautista Wins UFC 329 Rematch Over Cory Sandhagen

Fight Overview

At age 33, Mario Bautista secured a long‑awaited victory at UFC 329, defeating Cory Sandhagen by unanimous decision. The judges recorded three cards of 29‑28 each in favor of the bantamweight contender, who improved to 18‑3. Sandhagen, 18‑7, saw his knockout hopes fade as Bautista’s disciplined preparation turned the tide.

Bautista’s win marked a clear reversal from his UFC debut, when he lost to Sandhagen by an armbar submission seven years earlier. The victor’s post‑fight remarks highlighted his confidence: “I knew I could beat him. I just needed to come prepared.” He also disclosed that his goal was to “rip everything off” once the fight shifted in his favor.

Key Phases of the Battle

The opening round showcased Sandhagen’s footwork, with the fighter landing a stinging front kick and a check left hand that temporarily shook Bautista. The challenger alternated stances, mixing right hands to the body and uppercuts from close range, while a left hook to the jaw signaled his offensive versatility.

Mid‑round, Bautista caught Sandhagen in a Suloev stretch, compromising his ability to stand and forcing the fighter to limp to the stool. The damage limited Sandhagen’s output in the second round, where he fought through pain but could not regain full mobility. In the final round, Bautista dominated with repeated takedowns, elbows to the head, and constant pressure, making Sandhagen’s weaker side a clear target.

Bautista’s relentless adjustments and the inflicted knee injury proved decisive, leading the judge’s cards to favor the victor by a unanimous margin. The bout concluded with Sandhagen’s resilience on display, but not enough to overturn Bautista’s overpowering performance.

Bautista’s Post‑Fight Words

After the decision, Bautista reflected on his mindset, stating that he always aims to “finish strong” in important contests. His celebration was fueled by the knowledge that thorough preparation and a fight‑changing grip—“ripping everything off”—had turned a potential setback into a victory.

Other Notable Results from UFC 329

The same night featured additional standout performances. King Green secured a spectacular win over Terrance McKinney, earning recognition as a Round of the Year contender. Robert Whittaker showcased his power by fracturing Nikita Krylov’s jaw in a light‑heavyweight debut. Gable Steveson also made a memorable entrance, crushing Elisha Ellison with a brutal knockout on his UFC debut.

Check out complete UFC 329 results, highlights and round‑by‑round updates here.