Mario Bautista discusses next UFC fight options.

12 hours ago7 min read

So, UFC bantamweight Mario Bautista just pulled back the curtain on what happens after you take an L in the big show, and it's not the usual 'see ya later' you might expect. After his decision loss to the undefeated Dagestani grappling sensation Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 321—a fight that snapped Bautista's own impressive eight-fight heater—the narrative wasn't one of being kicked to the curb.Instead, Bautista shared the kind of post-fight chat that fighters dream about, revealing that UFC exec Hunter Campbell personally sought him out. Campbell, a key power broker in the organization, didn't deliver a pink slip; he delivered gratitude and a promise, telling Bautista, 'I want to thank you for the fight and the effort.We'll get you something interesting next time. ' That's the MMA equivalent of your boss spotting you putting in a brutal overtime shift and promising a promotion instead of a write-up.It speaks volumes about the stock Bautista holds, even in defeat, and sets up a fascinating 'what's next' scenario that has the entire 135-pound division buzzing. The options on the table are nothing short of fire.There's former flyweight kingpin Deiveson Figueiredo, who has looked absolutely terrifying since moving up to bantamweight, bringing a chaotic, power-punching style that would be a stylistic nightmare for anyone. Then there's the perennial contender and human highlight reel, Marlon 'Chito' Vera, whose walk-forward pressure and sneaky power have made him a fan favorite and a tough out for every top-five fighter he's faced.And perhaps the most tantalizing prospect of all? A rematch with Cory Sandhagen, a technical striking savant to whom Bautista lost back in 2020. A lot has changed since then; Bautista has evolved into a complete martial artist, and a second crack at 'The Sandman' would be a true litmus test of his growth.This situation is a perfect microcosm of the modern UFC, where a compelling performance in a loss can sometimes be more valuable than a boring win. Bautista didn't just lie down for Nurmagomedov, a fighter many are already anointing as a future champion based on his bloodline and relentless sambo prowess.He made him work, he showed heart, and in doing so, he earned the respect of the matchmakers. It’s like your favorite NBA team losing a hard-fought playoff series to the eventual champs—you don't blow up the roster; you run it back with a few tweaks because you've proven you belong.For Bautista, this next fight isn't just about getting back in the win column; it's a direct shot at re-establishing himself in that crowded top-10 picture. A win over a name like Figueiredo or Vera instantly makes him a title contender, while a victory in a Sandhagen rematch would be a storybook comeback.The UFC's bantamweight division is a shark tank, with Sean O'Malley holding the belt and a line of killers like Merab Dvalishvili waiting, but Bautista, with the backing of the brass and a chip on his shoulder, is now positioned for a main card slot that could steal the show. It’s the kind of high-stakes drama we tune in for, a testament to the fact that in this game, how you lose can sometimes define your career just as much as how you win.

#UFC

#Mario Bautista

#Umar Nurmagomedov

#Cory Sandhagen

#Deiveson Figueiredo

#fight booking

#featured

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