Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista: Live round-by-round updates: UFC 321: Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista: Live round-by-round updates

Umar Nurmagomedov enters Abu Dhabi with an unfamiliar loss on his record. His decision defeat to Merab Dvalishvili earlier this year was a reminder that even the most dominant prospects must adapt when faced with pressure.

Now, the Russian looks to reset against Mario Bautista, one of the division’s most consistent and underrated operators. Bautista brings an eight-fight win streak that he has built steadily. His approach is clinical, and his defense is rarely cracked. He thrives in long fights, wearing opponents down and taking over late.

Against Nurmagomedov, that will be tested early, because the Dagestani star’s speed and transitions remain elite despite his recent setback.

The real intrigue lies in how Nurmagomedov responds mentally. He’s never had to rebound from adversity, and Bautista is not the kind of opponent who allows time to settle in.

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UFC 321 airs live from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Prelims start at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT, followed by the main card at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT on ESPN pay-per-view and the ESPN App.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live coverage and play-by-play updates of UFC 321:

Round 1

Bautista takes the center of the octagon and attacks with a body kick. Nurmagomedov catches the kick and takes him down briefly. Bautista is using all his might to secure the leg or toe lock, but Nurmagomedov somehow gets past the precarious position. Nurmagomedov takes side control and unleashes a few good strikes. Bautista tries to scramble out of the position, but Nurmagomedov is glued to him. He lands strong elbows and takes Bautista's back. He's adjusting the body triangle and tries to get one arm in for the rear-naked choke. He's attacking Bautista with short punches to score.

Our Score: 10-9 Nurmagomedov

Round 2

Nurmagomedov attacks with good side kicks, and Bautista stifles the Dagestani with a solid knee. Nurmagomedov recovers immediately and takes Bautista with an inside trip off a body clinch. He almost secures a rear-naked choke, but Bautista defends well. Bautista scrambles out of position and gets back on his feet. He lands a few punches and shoulder strikes, but Nurmagomedov takes him back down. Bautista has done a great job of not settling at the bottom. They get back on the feet, and Nurmagomedov lands a few good strikes of his own.

Our Score: 10-9 Nurmagomedov (20-18 overall)

Round 3

Bautista is pressuring Nurmagomedov, and he almost lands a good head kick. Nurmagomedov lands a good body kick. He goes up top now, and Bautista fires back with a one-two combination. He darts in to land a one-two, and Nurmagomedov shoots for a takedown. Bautista is doing a great job of defending the takedown. He has secured seven takedowns as of now. Add another one to the tally, as he secures a side position. He smoothly transitions to top control and takes Bautista down again when he briefly tries to escape the position. They briefly swing it out in the final seconds of the fight.

Our Score: 10-9 Nurmagomedov (30-27 overall)

Official Result

Umar Nurmagomedov defeats Mario Bautista by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, and 30-27).