Umar Nurmagomedov rebounded from an unsuccessful title shot, scoring a win over Mario Bautista at UFC 321.
Magomedov caught a body kick attempt from Bautista in the fight's opening seconds, scoring a takedown with it. Bautista threatened a tight-looking toe hold not long after, but Nurmagomedov worked his way out of it and controlled the rest of the round with his expert-level grappling.
Bautista landed a perfectly-timed knee in the second round that seemed to do damage, but Nurmagomedov recovered and was able to score another takedown. Nurmagomedov got to the back and threatened a choke with a body triangle, but Bautista was able to get out of it, even getting his own brief trip on Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov's grappling and pressure continued to be on point in the third, allowing him to sweep the scorecards for the win.
Umar Nurmagomedov Defeats Mario Bautista At UFC 321
Nurmagomedov was undefeated before he took on Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title at UFC 311. Nurmagomedov won the first two rounds, but Dvalishvili rebounded in the remaining three.
Bautista sees an eight-fight win streak get snapped tonight. He came into this bout off decision wins over the likes of Jose Aldo and Patchy Mix.