Preview: UFC Fight Night 214 Prelims

Bantamweights

Mario Bautista (10-2, 4-2 UFC) vs. Benito Lopez (10-1, 2-1 UFC)

ODDS: Bautista (-295), Lopez (+245)

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This should be an engaging scrap for however long it lasts. Bautista has been an interesting prospect since his 2019 UFC debut. He stepped in on late notice to essentially get thrown to the wolves against Cory Sandhagen but won two wars and seemed to be gaining some momentum until a shocking knockout loss against Trevin Jones early in 2021. From there, Bautista took a year off to retool, and he looked the better for it, effectively balancing his aggression and productivity in a decision win over Jay Perrin before running over Brian Kelleher in June—a sign that things might finally be fully clicking for yet another top bantamweight talent. He will be a tough return test for Lopez, who makes his comeback after a three-year injury layoff. Prior to that pause, Lopez was one of the more exciting fighters on the roster, essentially attempting to answer everything his opponents brought to the table with some combination of punches and flying knees. Jones showed that an opponent can catch Bautista off-guard for a sudden knockout, but Lopez has shown the willingness to charge right into danger against better wrestlers and grapplers. That seems like a better bet to happen here, particularly with Lopez coming off such a long break. The pick is Bautista via first-round submission.

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