When Bautista returned to the Octagon to face Patchy Mix at UFC 316, he flipped the script, recording not a second of control time while proving he can win with just his striking. Mix came in with plenty of hype, but Bautista shut it down, landing 173 significant strikes en route to a unanimous decision victory.
This sets up an intriguing matchup at UFC 321, as both fighters have demonstrated they can mix it up on the feet and the ground, while also possessing finishing ability if their opponents make a mistake.
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On paper, Bautista has a higher striking volume, landing 6.13 strikes per minute compared to Nurmagomedov’s 4.38. He does sacrifice some defensive efficiency, however, absorbing over two more strikes per minute.
On the ground, Nurmagomedov ranks higher in takedown average, accuracy, and defense, but Bautista isn’t far behind, making it interesting to see if he can stop takedowns or even attempt his own.
With Dvalishvili set to rematch Petr Yan at UFC 323 this December, and Sandhagen and Sean O’Malley having lost to “The Machine” earlier this year, a win on Saturday, by any method, could be enough to earn either fighter a shot at gold next year. And if Dvalishvili retains the belt in December, that title opportunity would likely come sooner rather than later.
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