Earlier tonight at UFC 329, Cory Sandhagen and Mario Bautista ran it back, and this time Bautista earned sweet revenge with a well-earned victory.
As the bantamweight three-rounder began, Sandhagen stunned Bautista early, but the 33-year-old wasted no time in answering back with perfect counters. He also secured a takedown late in Round 1, and during a brief grappling exchange, the former UFC title challenger injured his knee due to a leg lock, after which Sandhagen limped back to his corner.
In Round 2, Sandhagen fought a strong round despite a blown-up knee and also managed to open Bautista up.
However, in the final round, Bautista went all out to turn the tide in his favor. He dropped Sandhagen with a left hook, and as the latter went crashing to the canvas, a hungry Bautista, smelling blood, went for the finish. However, ground-and-pound was not enough to stop the mighty Sandhagen.
Once Sandhagen survived, Bautista ragdolled him for the rest of the frame, enough to steal the round with the early knockdown and control time.
Official decision: Mario Bautista defeated Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision (29-28 x3) at UFC 329.
UFC 329: Mario Bautista vs. Cory Sandhagen Highlights
