This is the UFC 329 live blog for Corey Sandhagen vs. Mario Bautista 2, the bantamweight main event on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
In his last fight, Sandhagen (18-6) finally got a shot at the UFC bantamweight title. Unfortunately for Sandhagen, he was overtaken by then-champion Merab Dvalishvili and must now climb up the tough ladder once again. He has won four of his last six fights, with victories over ranked opponents Deiveson Figueiredo, Rob Font, Marlon Vera and Song Yadong.
Bautista (17-3) is chasing his championship dreams, winning nine of his last 10 fights. His title shot chances took a nosedive after his loss to Umar Nurmagomedov, but he rebounded with an impressive second-round submission of top-ranked Vinicius Oliveira in February this year. He is seeking revenge against Sandhagen after “The Sandman” defeated him by submission in his 2019 debut.
Below you can watch the live broadcast of Corey Sandhagen vs. Mario Bautista 2 at UFC 329.
Round 1: Herb Dean in the cage in a key bantamweight bout. Bautista lands a head kick in the opening seconds. Sandhagen circles and catches the kick. Sandhagen lands a high kick and hurts Bautista. Bautista body grabs and drags Sandhagen across the cage to the fence, but Sandhagen denies the takedown. Sandhagen now pins Bautista against the fence before they return to the center and separate. Sandhagen is constantly changing stances and exchanging blows. Sandhagen with right hands to the body and Bautista with kicks. Head kick for Sandhagen. And one left hand to the head. Bautista misses two hard shots, but the third lands – a left hook. And now the right hand. They throw punches at the same time, but Sandhagen hits harder. Good combination for Bautista before taking a takedown and taking Sandhagen’s back, hitting the crossbar, but the round comes to an end. A close, fun round. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Bautista.
Round 2: Sandhagen limps like two round stars. Bautista’s kneebar certainly did some damage here. Sandhagen’s key in the first round was movement, and he’s not the same now. However, he can still land a one- or two-hit combo. Bautista lands a left leg kick and they now trade punches. Bautista is now patient and Sandhagen is forced to slow down. Good left hand for Bautista, who briefly pins Sandhagen against the fence. Sandhagen denies him another takedown attempt. Sandhagen pokes Bautista in the eye, but he decides to continue the fight. They clinch and Sandhagen lands a left elbow. Blood flows from Bautista’s right eye. Despite the leg injury, Sandhagen managed to land more significant shots than Bautista in this round. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Sandhagen (19-19).
Round 3: The cornerman puts his knee on Sandhagen’s left knee, but tells them he’s fine between rounds. Bautista hurts him early with a left hook! Sandhagen has fallen! Sandhagen attacks the leg and it slows down Bautista’s landing and kick. They’re back now. Now takedown for Bautista and he covers Sandhagen. Sandhagen still manages to get to his feet. Sandhagen chases Bautista but misses all of his punches. Bautista fires back. Bautista goes for the takedown again, but can’t hold it for long or do anything about it. Bautista is merciless in his fight. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Bautista (29-28 Bautista).
Official result: Mario Bautista def. Corey Sandhagen via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)