UFC Vegas 84 promises fight fans an exciting bantamweight showdown between Ricky Simon and Mario Bautista.
Ricky Simon enters the Octagon with a solid professional record, boasting 20 wins, 4 losses. Simon has demonstrated his well-rounded skills, with six victories by knockout and four by submission. Known for his relentless pace and grappling prowess, he has earned his place as a rising star in the bantamweight division. Simon’s most recent bout resulted in a first round stoppage loss to Song Yadong. Before that, Simon had attained five straight wins, taking out names like Jack Shore, Raphael Assuncao, and Brian Kelleher.
Opposite Simon stands Mario Bautista, with a record of 13 wins and two losses. He entered tonight’s bantamweight clash filled with confidence and rightly so having won his last five inside the UFC Octagon.
As the anticipation builds for UFC Vegas 84, this bantamweight clash adds an exciting layer to the fight card. Both Simon and Bautista bring unique strengths to the Octagon, making this bout a must-watch for fans of the sport.
The outcome of this encounter will undoubtedly influence the trajectory of both fighters in a highly competitive division, making it a pivotal moment in their respective careers. With Simon looking to get back to winning ways, and Bautista continuing his climb to the top.
Mario Bautista Defeats Ricky Simon
Round 1
We start with Simon holding the center of the Octagon as Bautista circles. Bautista landing some nice shots on the outside before Simon returns with a big right hand. Bautista throws a flying knee up the middle which lands. Simon times a beautiful takedown and flattens Bautista out. Bautista slips away and gets back to the feet, instantly throwing hands at Simon. Again Bautista lands a knee up the middle. Bautista is happy to exchange and take risks here to land. There it is! As Bautista rushes in, Simon catches him clean with a left hook which drops Bautista, he doesn’t appear to be hurt though and the round finishes. Really good first round.
Round 2
Bautista lands a nice counter as Simon steps in. Simon shoots for the takedown but Bautista defends well to remain on the feet and break away. Bautista constantly throwing and landing on the break from the fence. Nice left kick to the body momentarily stuns Simon. Bautista is looking good here as he lands a high kick at the end of the second round. Bautista could be up 20-18 here. You can expect Simon to throw the kitchen sink at Bautista in the third.
Round 3
Here we go. The third and final round. Simon lands a right hand followed by a nice jab. Bautista returns fire with a left hook. Simon lifts Bautista up and carries him over to his own corner. Simon flattens Bautista out but incredibly he escapes and the fight returns to the feet. Both guys landing clean with three minutes remaining. The cleaner work is from Bautista who just can’t miss. Simon attempts a takedown but Bautista stuffs it. The pace from Bautista here is relentless, he’s really piling it on here. You could forgive Bautista for playing it safe here but he’s pushing for the finish. That’s the fight. Bautista appears to have done enough here, we could be looking at a shutout in an impressive display.
Official Result: Mario Bautista Defeats Ricky Simon via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Highlights:
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
