On Saturday night in Salt Lake City, UFC 307 will showcase an eagerly awaited bantamweight showdown between the legendary José Aldo and the rising star Mario Bautista. Here’s an in-depth prediction for the fight from the Sportsmacro expert team.
Jose Aldo
The legendary José Aldo, famously known as “Scarface,” is making his return to the octagon after a two-year break. Although he officially retired and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, Aldo is eager to step back into the cage. His last fight before retirement was against current champion Merab Dvalishvili, where Aldo became the only fighter to resist Dvalishvili’s 15 takedown attempts.
Aldo made his comeback this past May against rising star Jonathan Martinez. In that bout, he not only showcased superior striking but also demonstrated his grappling prowess, taking the fight to the ground after nearly knocking Martinez out standing. This performance served as a powerful reminder of Aldo’s prime days as the “King of Rio.”
Mario Bautista
Mario Bautista is an emerging talent in the bantamweight division, boasting an impressive 16-2 record and poised to break into the top 10. Since his last loss in 2021, he has been on a winning streak and is now set to face the biggest challenge of his career against a seasoned veteran.
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In his most recent fight, Bautista entered as the underdog against Ricky Simon but successfully neutralized Simon’s wrestling and showcased his striking skills. While Bautista possesses solid grappling and Jiu-Jitsu abilities, his primary strength lies in his striking. He’s quick and precise, though he occasionally becomes overly aggressive, leaving himself vulnerable to counterattacks.
Jose Aldo vs Mario Bautista Prediction
While José Aldo is recognized for his exceptional grappling abilities, he typically leans on his elite striking to dictate fights. Whether standing or on the ground, Aldo is likely to control the exchanges and apply relentless pressure. Although Mario Bautista may attempt to utilize his grappling, penetrating Aldo’s defense will be a significant challenge. Considering these factors, it appears unlikely that Bautista will emerge victorious in this matchup.
