Mario Bautista secured a controversial split-decision victory over Jose Aldo at UFC 307, prompting criticism from Conor McGregor, to which Bautista responded by defending his strategy and expressing openness to future fights with top contenders like Henry Cejudo.
Mario Bautista snagged the biggest win of his career on Saturday. He edged out a split decision against UFC legend Jose Aldo at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City. Yet, not everyone was on board with the judges’ call—Conor McGregor included.
"The Notorious" didn’t hold back on social media. Saturday night, he blasted the decision as "dirt" and "bullsh*t." Bautista fired back during the post-fight media scrum.
"Conor can kiss my a**," Bautista shot back. "He should just fight Chandler already. And zip it."
McGregor wasn’t done. He griped online about Bautista’s tactics, claiming he was merely holding Aldo against the fence. "That’s not good enough," he argued. Mike Beltran, the ref, should’ve stepped in sooner, according to McGregor.
Bautista defended his approach by referencing Merab Dvalishvili‘s fight with Aldo—also in Salt Lake City. "I had to do what I had to do," Bautista explained.
"I got cut in round two," he continued. "Took a solid hit but drove him into the fence. His takedown defense is strong, but he couldn’t escape the cage. That’s on him."
"If I were in his shoes, I’d circle off the cage," Bautista added. "The crowd’s opinion? That’s their problem."
"He stayed pinned to the fence," Bautista said firmly. "And I’m not letting him loose." Citing Marab again, he noted, "Look at Marab now; he’s champ."
Bautista brushed off any boos or cheers. For him, it’s all just energy. With a 15-2 record and an impressive winning streak, he’s eyeing Henry Cejudo next.
"We’ll see who steps up," Bautista mused. Cory Sandhagen was on his radar, but after Sandhagen’s recent loss? Maybe not.
"If Henry Cejudo wants a go, let’s make it happen," Bautista concluded with a grin.