The UFC returns to Newark this weekend with two championship belts on the road. Merab Dvalishvili will make his second title defence in a extremely anticipated rematch towards famous person Sean O’Malley in the principle occasion. Within the co-main occasion, Julianna Peña defends her bantamweight title towards former PFL standout Kayla Harrison. With a card stacked from prime to backside, followers are in for a spectacular night time of fights. Nonetheless, one matchup, particularly, stands out: the arrival of a possible future champion at UFC 316.
The UFC has just lately made a number of high-profile signings, bolstering its already dominant presence within the MMA world. Patricio Pitbull, Kayla Harrison, and Kai Asakura are just some of the elite fighters who’ve made the change in recent times. This weekend, one other standout joins the roster.
Patchy Combine has lengthy been thought to be among the finest fighters exterior the UFC, with followers regularly speculating about how he would fare towards the promotion’s elite. Following the PFL’s acquisition of Bellator, rumours circulated that Combine may go away the organisation if the precise alternative arose. That chance has lastly arrived, and Combine is ready to make his UFC debut this Saturday towards the #10-ranked Mario Bautista.
(#10) Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Combine
This bout comes as a late change for Bautista, who was initially scheduled to face Chito Vera. Nonetheless, Vera was compelled to withdraw attributable to harm, and Combine stepped in on 4 weeks’ discover. On paper, this can be a robust matchup for each fighters. Bautista is using a seven-fight win streak within the bantamweight division, with notable victories over Jose Aldo and Ricky Simon. His relentless wrestling and clinch-heavy model make him a troublesome puzzle for even essentially the most seasoned opponents.
Bautista’s current win over Aldo drew criticism, with some believing the judges obtained it fallacious, accusing him of stalling fairly than delivering significant offence. That criticism possible hasn’t gone unnoticed, and Bautista will probably be wanting to silence doubters with a definitive efficiency this weekend.
However ending Patchy Combine isn’t any straightforward feat. In 21 skilled bouts, he has misplaced simply as soon as—and solely by determination. Combine has overwhelmed a few of the prime names exterior the UFC, together with Sergio Pettis, Magomed Magomedov, and Raufeon Stots. With an entire MMA arsenal and few weaknesses, Combine is a nightmare matchup for anybody. The most important query surrounding him is the layoff—he hasn’t competed since Could 2024. Will ring rust have an effect on his means to begin quick, one thing he sometimes excels at? We’ll discover out quickly sufficient.
Official Prediction: Patchy Combine by Submission
This matchup performs immediately into Combine’s strengths. Bautista thrives on pressuring opponents towards the cage and grinding them down, however Combine’s elite grappling and wrestling may flip that technique right into a legal responsibility. With 13 of his 20 skilled wins coming by submission, Combine is a confirmed finisher on the bottom. If Bautista chooses to interact in grappling exchanges, he could also be strolling straight into Combine’s wheelhouse.
I anticipate Combine to announce his UFC arrival with a press release end and instantly shake up the bantamweight division. A brand new contender has arrived—and the highest 5 must be on excessive alert.
This combat presents a large alternative for each rivals. An announcement win for both man may catapult them into the title image. Who will seize the second? We’ll discover out at UFC 316. One factor’s for sure: this card guarantees motion from begin to end. Don’t miss it.
