Bantamweight contender Mario Bautista believes the criticism of how his fight with José Aldo unfolded at UFC 307 should be directed at the Brazilian.
The pair collided on the main card of this past weekend's pay-per-view event in Salt Lake City, with Bautista looking to replace Aldo inside the top 10 at 135 pounds.
Across three rounds, the 31-year-old achieved that feat, extending his winning run to seven and securing a rise to #9 in the rankings by falling on the right side of a split decision verdict in Utah.
The manner with which he had his hand raised, however, caused considerable debate online, with many suggesting that his low-action grappling was over-rewarded by two judges.
Bautista Claims Aldo Could Have Escaped Positions At UFC 307, Opted Not To
During a recent interview on MMA Junkie Radio, Bautista reflected on his successful display in Salt Lake City on Oct. 5, which saw his record's win column receive its biggest addition to date.
The 31-year-old questioned the reaction to his approach in round three, insisting that any and all backlash to the way the fight concluded should be directed at Aldo.
I just wanted him to keep on working. I just wanted him to break out of the clinch, use that energy to get out. And then just kind of stay stuck to him. Keep him working, working," Bautista said. "I just didn't really think he was going to — I don't know, I guess just stay on the wall.
I thought he was going to get out. ... There were points where like, yeah he was defending the takedown and maybe he could have circled off, but he just chose to stay there," Bautista continued. "Yeah, I was holding him against the cage. But at the same, I think he did have opportunities to circle off, it's just he chose not to. ... Maybe that's his resting area. ... 'Maybe the ref will separate us and I'll be able to get my strikes off,' and this and that.
Bautista went on to say that, as a fan of the sport himself, frustration in that situation should always be toward the fighter who is unable to break the clinch and circle away.
In addition to the portions of the fanbase giving him stick, Bautista also hit back at one specific individual on social media post-fight, taking aim at Henry Cejudo for the former champ's negative assessment of his UFC 307 performance.