Bautista has quickly adjusted his focus to a new opponent after learning that Marlon Vera was forced out of their scheduled UFC bout due to injury. The Arizona-based fighter will now face former Bellator champion Patchy Mix, who brings an impressive 20-1 record to his UFC debut.
"I was happy I got the win," Bautista said about his previous fight that drew fan criticism. "The fans did not like it afterwards, for sure, and they were sending all their hate my way. But honestly, I just didn't let it bother me."
The transition to a new opponent happened remarkably fast. Bautista revealed that UFC matchmakers were already working on finding a replacement the same day Vera withdrew, and Mix was confirmed as the new opponent within 24 hours.
Interestingly, Bautista first spotted clues about his potential new matchup on social media before receiving official confirmation.
"I saw on Instagram that Patchy was released from his contract and people were putting two and two together," he explained. "I still didn't know if it would be a match or not, though."
Despite the last-minute change, Bautista appears unfazed. Rather than viewing the switch as a setback, he's approaching it as an opportunity to test himself against a respected competitor.
"I was excited that I still got a good name, a well-respected fighter, someone with a good record," Bautista noted about facing Mix.
For Bautista, who had been training in the Arizona heat after enjoying the holidays, the opponent change doesn't alter his position as the UFC veteran tasked with welcoming Mix to the promotion. Can the Arizona fighter play spoiler to Mix's UFC debut? That question will be answered when they step into the octagon.
