Mario Bautista is aiming for a matchup against a former UFC Champion after securing a win at UFC 316. However, potential injuries could jeopardize these plans.
Competing on the undercard in New Jersey, the American fighter defeated the debuting Patchy Mix. Bautista earned a decision victory from the judges after three intense rounds of fighting.
This significant victory at UFC 316 propelled Mario Bautista to the ninth position in the UFC Bantamweight rankings, a division currently led by champion Merab Dvalishvili.
As he climbs towards a potential title challenge, Bautista has identified a former champion as his desired next opponent. Despite this, injuries to potential rivals might prevent this fight from happening.
Mario Bautista Targets a ‘Top Five’ Fight with Umar Nurmagomedov or Deiveson Figueiredo
Bautista`s next bout appears set to be against one of the top contenders in the Bantamweight division, although injuries could disrupt his aspirations.
In an interview with MiddleEasy, Bautista named Umar Nurmagomedov and Deiveson Figueiredo as potential future opponents.
However, he acknowledged that the knee injury Figueiredo sustained at UFC Des Moines will factor into whether a fight against him is feasible in 2025.
Bautista commented: “I definitely want a top-five fight or something really close… I like that Umar fight, and I like Figgy [Deiveson Figueiredo] if his knee’s good by the end of the year. Ideally, though, someone in the top five who can get me closer to a title shot. With a win over Umar, I’m 100% right there. There’s no denying me at that point. I need a fight like that.”
Deiveson Figueiredo Suffered a Significant Leg Injury in Loss to Cory Sandhagen at UFC Des Moines
A potential fight with Figueiredo is uncertain following the damage inflicted by Cory Sandhagen during their main event clash at UFC Des Moines last month.
The Brazilian fighter suffered an unusual knee injury during the fight, prompting the referee to halt the contest in the second round against the #4-ranked Sandhagen.
Sandhagen described his victory as “flawless” and stated that his strategy unfolded exactly as planned, despite the injury sustained by his opponent`s knee.
There is currently no official update on the severity of Figueiredo`s injury or the expected duration of his recovery before he can compete again.
Figueiredo has expressed a desire for a quick return, but only time will determine if he will be ready to face Bautista in his next UFC bout.
