Sean O’Malley’s Coach Called ‘Hypocrite’ For Supporting Mario Bautista’s UFC 307 Win After Bashing Merab Dvalishvili

Alongside Alex Pereira brutally breaking down Khalil Rountree, a major highlight of UFC 307 was the controversial officiating. Four fighters won via split decision, including Mario Bautista who beat José Aldo. Fans didn’t seem happy with Bautista keeping the former UFC featherweight champ in a clinch. The rising bantamweight prospect couldn’t secure a single takedown […]

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Alongside Alex Pereira brutally breaking down Khalil Rountree, a major highlight of UFC 307 was the controversial officiating. Four fighters won via split decision, including Mario Bautista who beat José Aldo.

Fans didn’t seem happy with Bautista keeping the former UFC featherweight champ in a clinch. The rising bantamweight prospect couldn’t secure a single takedown despite ten attempts and even during the clinch, he prioritized control over damage which was unusual.

Bautista belongs to the same team as Sean O’Malley and the latter’s coach Tim Welch backed his fighter for trying to win the fight. However, he was instantly called out for doing so…

Sean O’Malley’s Coach Explains Why Mario Bautista Played It Safe Against José Aldo At UFC 307

While reacting to UFC 307 on his YouTube channel, Tim Welch looked elated for Bautista winning his seventh fight in a row. With a couple more wins, he can aim to enter the top five and eventually fight for the UFC bantamweight title.

To be fair, Bautista has always been an active fighter inside the Octagon. His wins over Ricky Simón and Jin Soo Son are great examples of the same. He possesses several tools, including shoulder strikes and knees that work like a charm during a clinch.

According to Welch, the American fighter kept it safe against Aldo to make sure he won the fight and got the full pay. While this is an understandable take, the coach was instantly called out for heavily criticizing Merab Dvalishvili’s wrestling-heavy game plan against O’Malley.

“People are pissed about it. But you got to remember, Mario’s got a family and if he loses the fight, he makes half the amount of money he would’ve if he would win the fight. He’s not going to make a crazy amount of money, a big win bonus, if he goes and sits and slugs it out and potentially gets KO’ed by one of the nastiest strikers ever. He went in there with good game plan, he came in in shape, he did what he had to do to win the fight and if you were in that position, you’d probably do the same.”

Some fans also pointed out that Dvalishvili was more active than Bautista. The UFC bantamweight champion not only secured several takedowns at UFC 306 but also remained active on the ground. So, Welch favoring Bautista after rejecting Dvalishvili didn’t sit well with many.

Comments on Tim Welch's YouTube video calling him a hypocrite
Image: Tim Welch on YouTube

It is worth noting that Welch has recently admitted to “Machine” having a great game plan against O’Malley at UFC 306. However, it seems like most people in the MMA circle still remember him trying to claim “Suga” won and rooting for damage-based scoring in fights.

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley’s Coach Called ‘Hypocrite’ For Supporting Mario Bautista’s UFC 307 Win After Bashing Merab Dvalishvili at MMA News.

‘Dirt Decision’ – Conor McGregor & Others Take Issue With Judges As José Aldo Falls Short At UFC 307

José Aldo came close but ultimately fell short in a decision at UFC 307, losing to Mario Bautista. Bautista looked to take control of the action right away, bringing out a heavy leg kick attack — landing 23 of them in the first round. Additionally, Aldo seemed inactive outside of a few late shots, with […]

Continue Reading ‘Dirt Decision’ – Conor McGregor & Others Take Issue With Judges As José Aldo Falls Short At UFC 307 at MMA News.

José Aldo came close but ultimately fell short in a decision at UFC 307, losing to Mario Bautista.

Bautista looked to take control of the action right away, bringing out a heavy leg kick attack — landing 23 of them in the first round. Additionally, Aldo seemed inactive outside of a few late shots, with the American landing his fair share and pinning the former featherweight champion against the fence more than once.

Aldo, however, landed a pair of harsh jabs, one of which busted Bautista open around one of his eyes. The Brazilian started to work his jabs and combinations. The 31-year-old, however, continued to bring forward pressure and looked to tire Aldo out further with his wrestling-based attack.

Bautista continued to bring his pressure into the third round. And while Aldo tried to get anything going, the #11-ranked contender continued to go for takedowns and use a wrestle-heavy approach, forcing Aldo to defend.

Mario Bautista Stalls Title Plans Of Former Champion José Aldo Via Split Decision At UFC 307

After initially retiring in late 2022 following a loss to current UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili, Aldo returned to the Octagon at UFC 301 this past May, defeating Jonathan Martinez. “Junior,” a former UFC featherweight champion, was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023.

Bautista, meanwhile, entered tonight on a six-fight win streak, most recently defeating Ricky Simón at the UFC Apex in January.

Continue Reading ‘Dirt Decision’ – Conor McGregor & Others Take Issue With Judges As José Aldo Falls Short At UFC 307 at MMA News.

UFC 307 Results & Highlights: Alex Pereira TKOs Khalil Rountree 

UFC 307 took place tonight from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah and MMA News has you covered with all the results and highlights!  In the main event, Alex Pereira put his light heavyweight title on the line against Khalil Rountree. While in the co-main event, Raquel Pennington looked to defend her women’s bantamweight title against former […]

Continue Reading UFC 307 Results & Highlights: Alex Pereira TKOs Khalil Rountree  at MMA News.

UFC 307 took place tonight from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah and MMA News has you covered with all the results and highlights! 

In the main event, Alex Pereira put his light heavyweight title on the line against Khalil Rountree. While in the co-main event, Raquel Pennington looked to defend her women’s bantamweight title against former champ Julianna Peña. 

UFC 307 Results: Main Card

  • Light Heavyweight Championship: Alex Pereira def. Khalil Rountree via TKO: R4, 4.32
  • Women’s Bantamweight Championship: Julianna Peña def. Raquel Pennington via split decision (48-47×2, 47-48)
  • Bantamweight: Mario Bautista def. José Aldo via split decision (29-28×2, 28-29)
  • Middleweight: Roman Dolidze def. Kevin Holland via TKO (injury stoppage): R1, 5.00 
  • Women’s Bantamweight: Kayla Harrison def. Ketlen Vieira via unanimous decision (30-27×2, 29-28) 

Preliminary Card

  • Welterweight: Joaquin Buckley def. Stephen Thompson via KO: R3, 2.17
  • Women’s Strawweight: Iasmin Lucindo def. Marina Rodriguez via split decision (29-28×2, 28-29)  
  • Lightweight: Alexander Hernandez def. Austin Hubbard via split decision (29-28×2, 27-30)  
  • Middleweight: César Almeida def. Ihor Potieria via unanimous decision (30-27×3)

Early Preliminary Card

  • Light Heavyweight: Ryan Spann def. Ovince Saint Preux via submission: R1, 1.35
  • Women’s Strawweight: Tecia Pennington def. Carla Esparza via unanimous decision (29-28×2, 30-27) 
  • Welterweight: Court McGee def. Tim Means via submission: R1, 3.19

Preliminary Card Highlights

Court McGee def. Tim Means

Court McGee earned the first finish of UFC 307 with a rear-naked choke submission of Tim Means in the first round of their welterweight bout.

Ryan Spann def. Ovince Saint Preux

In this light heavyweight bout, Ryan Spann submitted Ovince Saint Preux with a guillotine choke early in the first round.

Joaquin Buckley def. Stephen Thompson

Joaquin Buckley kept his undefeated welterweight record in tact with a KO of Stephen Thompson in the third round.

Main Card Highlights

Kayla Harrison def. Ketlen Vieira

In this women’s bantamweight bout, Kayla Harrison earned her second UFC win with a unanimous decision against Ketlen Vieira.

Roman Dolidze def. Kevin Holland

After Kevin Holland sustained a rib injury, the ringside doctor deemed him unfit to fight and therefore Roman Dolidze was awarded a TKO win at the end of the first round.

Mario Bautista def. José Aldo

In this bantamweight bout, Mario Bautista got it done via split decision against José Aldo.

Julianna Peña def. Raquel Pennington

In the co-main event, Julianna Peña earned a split decision win against Raquel Pennington to reclaim the women’s bantamweight crown.

Alex Pereira def. Khalil Rountree

In the main event, Alex Pereira retained his light heavyweight title with a TKO of Khalil Rountree.

Continue Reading UFC 307 Results & Highlights: Alex Pereira TKOs Khalil Rountree  at MMA News.

“This fire is back again” – Jose Aldo Eyes UFC Gold After 307 Victory Against Mario Bautista

"This fire is back again" - Jose Aldo Eyes UFC Gold After 307 Victory Against Mario BautistaFollowing a dominant performance against Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301, Jose Aldo signed a new deal with the promotion…

"This fire is back again" - Jose Aldo Eyes UFC Gold After 307 Victory Against Mario Bautista

Following a dominant performance against Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301, Jose Aldo signed a new deal with the promotion and is now setting his sights on once again becoming a world champion.

On Saturday, ‘Junior’ will seek another big win when he meets Mario Bautista at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City. Speaking about his return to the Octagon during Wednesday’s UFC media day, Aldo had hoped to walk straight into a bantamweight title fight in his next outing.

Instead, he’ll be tasked with taking out the division’s No. 11 ranked contender.

081923 Mario Bautista Hand Raise UFC 292 Hero

“I even thought I could go straight for the title, but it didn’t happen, but as I said, I accept any challenge,” Aldo said during UFC 307 media day on Wednesday. “This is my life, to fight and win regardless of the opponent, Mario or Jonathan. Since the UFC put him, I have to fight. If that’s what I want to become champion, then I’ll face anyone” (h/t MMA Fighting).

While Aldo has respect for Bautista and what he’s accomplished inside the Octagon thus far, the former featherweight king firmly believes that he’s levels above the streaking standout.

“I see this as another test,” Aldo said. “They were testing me last time to see if I still wanted this or not. Like it or not, I have a different level. It’s another test to me to get closer to the belt, which is my goal.”

Jose Aldo

Jose Aldo laments his performance against merab dvalishvili in 2022

With a win over Bautista in The Crossroads of the West, Jose Aldo hopes he’ll curry enough favor with the promotion to earn a rematch with reigning bantamweight champ Merab Davalishvili. Before ‘The Machine’ captured the 135-pound crown last month via a dominant decision victory over Sean O’Malley, he bested ‘Junior’ at UFC 278 two years ago.

Jose Aldo

Aldo recognizes that his performance against Dvalishvili was not his best and he’s eager to get another crack at the Georgian, especially with him laying claim to the bantamweight belt.

“My performance wasn’t good that night,” Aldo said. “It wasn’t my fault or Merab’s, but the referee let the fight stay too long against the fence, and it was very boring. There was no fight, basically. I was very sad. Everybody comes to a fight expecting the best of Aldo and I couldn’t show them was I was capable of that night.

“The fire was out. Last time I left this place feeling really sad, knowing I wouldn’t go back to the octagon again, and two years later this fire is back again. I trained so hard. Those around me in the gym can say that. The young ones in the gym had their jaws dropped, saying, ‘Damn, this guy is a phenom. He’s accomplished everything and is still here putting on his best performance.’ The fire is burning. I want to put on a great fight. I have to win this fight, and I know I’ll be close to a title shot.”

UFC 307: Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Weigh-In Results

UFC 307 takes place tomorrow night, and MMA News is here to bring you the official weigh-in results! After staging an event inside the unique surroundings of the Sphere last month, the mixed martial arts leader is back in Utah for its latest numbered card, which goes down inside Salt Lake City’s Delta Center. Two […]

Continue Reading UFC 307: Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Weigh-In Results at MMA News.

UFC 307 takes place tomorrow night, and MMA News is here to bring you the official weigh-in results!

After staging an event inside the unique surroundings of the Sphere last month, the mixed martial arts leader is back in Utah for its latest numbered card, which goes down inside Salt Lake City’s Delta Center.

Two titles will be on the line at the top of the card, with Alex Pereira defending his light heavyweight belt against Khalil Rountree and Raquel Pennington staking the women’s bantamweight gold opposite Julianna Peña.

Also on the main card will be returns for UFC legend José Aldo, two-time Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison, and fan favorite Kevin Holland.

UFC 307: Pereira vs. Rountree Weigh-In Results

UFC 307 takes place Saturday, October 5 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The main card begins at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT, with the preliminary card starting at 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT.

See above for a replay of the UFC 307 Weigh-In Show, and check out the full results below!

Main Card:

  • Light Heavyweight Championship: Alex Pereira (205lbs) vs. Khalil Rountree (205lbs)
  • Women’s Bantamweight Championship: Raquel Pennington (135lbs) vs. Julianna Peña (134.5lbs)
  • Bantamweight: José Aldo (136lbs) vs. Mario Bautista (136lbs)
  • Middleweight: Roman Dolidze (185.5lbs) vs. Kevin Holland (185.5lbs)
  • Women’s Bantamweight: Ketlen Vieira (136lbs) vs. Kayla Harrison (136lbs)

Preliminary Card:

  • Welterweight: Stephen Thompson (171lbs) vs. Joaquin Buckley (170.5lbs)
  • Women’s Strawweight: Marina Rodriguez (115.5lbs) vs. Iasmin Lucindo (116lbs)
  • Lightweight: Austin Hubbard (156lbs) vs. Alexander Hernandez (156lbs)
  • Middleweight: César Almeida (185.5lbs) vs. Ihor Potieria (185.5lbs)

Early Preliminary Card:

  • Light Heavyweight: Ryan Spann (205.5lbs) vs. Ovince Saint Preux (205.5lbs)
  • Women’s Strawweight: Carla Esparza (115.5lbs) vs. Tecia Pennington (115lbs)
  • Welterweight: Court McGee (170lbs) vs. Tim Means (171lbs)

Continue Reading UFC 307: Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Weigh-In Results at MMA News.