TLDR
- Mario Bautista defeated Cory Sandhagen by unanimous decision (29-28 on all three scorecards) at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026
- Bautista avenged his UFC debut loss to Sandhagen from 2019, which occurred on seven days’ notice
- Bautista severely damaged Sandhagen’s leg with a Suloev stretch in the first round, forcing him to limp for the rest of the fight
- Bautista scored a knockdown with a left hook in the third round and controlled Sandhagen with multiple takedowns
- Bautista improved to 10-1 in his last 11 fights and called for either a title shot or number one contender fight next
Sources: mmafighting.com | mmajunkie.usatoday.com | sports.yahoo.com
Mario Bautista got his revenge seven years in the making on Saturday night at UFC 329 in Las Vegas. The 33-year-old bantamweight defeated Cory Sandhagen by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 29-28.
The victory avenged Bautista’s UFC debut loss in 2019, when he took the fight against Sandhagen on just seven days’ notice and lost by armbar submission. Bautista showed how much he has improved since that night at T-Mobile Arena.
“I lost my debut against him,” Bautista said after the win. “I knew I could beat him, I just had to be prepared.”
Bautista started the fight with body kicks before Sandhagen countered with a stiff punch that hurt him. Bautista responded by looking for a takedown as both fighters battled for position against the cage.
Once separated, Bautista unleashed a series of punches that got through Sandhagen’s defense. He connected with a well-timed left hook while Sandhagen fought back with his jab.
Interesting end to RD1 👀
[ #UFC329 is LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/6pd91nH2Y2
— UFC (@ufc) July 12, 2026
Sandhagen’s Leg Injury Changes Everything
The fight changed completely near the end of the first round. Bautista caught Sandhagen in a Suloev stretch that severely damaged his leg.
Sandhagen broke free before the round ended, but the damage was done. He limped back to his corner and continued favoring the leg when the second round started.
“I was trying to rip everything off,” Bautista said. “At the end of the round, I saw him walking to his corner limping.”
Bautista took advantage in the second round by kicking at Sandhagen’s injured leg and moving side to side. Sandhagen fought through the pain and still landed some strikes, including shots that opened a small cut on Bautista’s head.
Sandhagen did enough to stay competitive as Bautista’s output slowed down in the middle frame. He showed a warrior’s instinct by continuing to fight despite the compromised leg.
Dominant Third Round Seals Victory
Bautista came out strong in the final round and blasted Sandhagen with a huge left hook that dropped him to the canvas. Bautista jumped down looking for the finish, but Sandhagen grabbed his leg to slow him down.
Back on the feet, Bautista continued hunting for the knockout before landing another takedown. He tried to take Sandhagen’s back, but Sandhagen escaped and started moving forward.
Bautista continued to control the grappling exchanges with multiple takedowns. Sandhagen eventually scored a brief takedown of his own, putting Bautista on the ground for a moment.
The late effort from Sandhagen was not enough. The damage from the knockdown and Bautista’s ground control won him the round and the fight.
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Bautista improved his record to 18-3 overall and 12-3 in the UFC. He has now won two straight fights after losing to Umar Nurmagomedov last October.
With 10 wins in his last 11 fights, Bautista believes he has entered title contention at bantamweight. He called for either a title shot or a number one contender fight next.
“I think it says a lot about myself,” Bautista said. “I think I deserve that next shot at the title.”
Bautista said he hopes to fight for the belt or the number one contender spot by the end of 2026 or early 2027. He is waiting to see how the bantamweight division shakes out, with champion Petr Yan expected to return later this year.
