At UFC Vegas 113: Bautista vs. Oliveira, Mario Bautista impressed fight fans around the world with a powerful performance that re-established him among the top bantamweight contenders.
In the main event held at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Bautista secured a second-round submission victory against Brazil’s Vinicius “Lok Dog” Oliveira, showcasing skill, patience, and finishing ability.
With the crowd buzzing and stakes high, Bautista’s dominant win was one of the most talked-about fights of the night, setting the stage for a potential clash with elite 135-lb competitors in the months ahead.
A Main Event With High Stakes and Big Expectations
Both fighters entered the octagon with momentum and ambition. For Bautista, ranked No. 9 in the bantamweight division, this fight was an opportunity to rebound after entering the bout following a previous loss, and to reaffirm his place inside the title picture.
Meanwhile, Oliveira, ranked No. 11, arrived boasting a series of wins that positioned him as a rising threat in the division.
The matchup was set to influence rankings significantly. A strong showing from either man could have propelled them closer to a title eliminator or a high-profile bout against a top-tier opponent.
Intensity at the Weigh-Ins and Build-Up to Fight Night
The intensity of the matchup was evident well before fight night. At the official weigh-ins, both Bautista and Oliveira made weight without issue, setting the tone for a competitive battle.
Many fans and analysts noted the fighters’ serious mindsets, predicting an especially tactical contest in the cage.
Oliveira had even spoken confidently in the lead-up, vowing to make a statement and add another major victory to his record.
However, as events unfolded, the fight clearly tilted in favor of the more experienced Bautista.
Fight Night: Bautista Shows Control From Start to Finish
On fight night, Bautista imposed his will early. Rather than getting drawn into a stand-and-bang shootout, he consistently looked to exploit his grappling advantage.
Oliveira tried to utilize aggressive entries and takedown attempts, but Bautista consistently thwarted them and dictated where the fight went.
Once the contest hit the mat, Bautista’s confidence grew even more. He mixed positions methodically from takedowns to top control and pressure, eventually working a mounted crucifix before transitioning to Oliveira’s back.
It was from that dominant position that he locked in a rear-naked choke that forced the tap in the second round.
The fight ended at 4:46 of Round 2, prompting a big reaction from both the crowd and commentators, many of whom called it a statement performance.
Oliveira’s Struggles and Post-Fight Reality
After the bout, Oliveira revealed that he had been dealing with significant adversity in the weeks leading up to the fight.
The Brazilian admitted he had fractured his right forearm roughly seven weeks before the matchup, a serious injury that likely affected both his training and in-fight effectiveness.
Despite the injury, Oliveira chose not to withdraw and instead continued training and cutting a challenging amount of weight.
According to reports, the arm injury, combined with the harsh weight cut, severely limited his performance and may have played a key role in the loss.
UFC officials later handed him a 180-day medical suspension, a necessary step for his recovery before resuming competition.
Bautista’s Standing in the Division After UFC Vegas 113
For Mario Bautista, the victory added another impressive chapter to his UFC tenure. It marked his ninth win in his last ten outings, a run that positions him well for bigger fights moving forward.
By demonstrating unwavering poise, technical mastery, and physical strength against Oliveira, Bautista reminded fans and fighters alike that he is a dangerous force at 135 lbs.
The win gives him leverage in negotiations for future fights and could open doors against higher-ranked opponents.
In post-fight remarks, Bautista hinted at his interest in revisiting past rivalries, especially a rematch with Cory Sandhagen, a name that looms large given their previous encounter. While nothing is official yet, fans are already buzzing about who Bautista will face next.
Beyond the Main Event: Notable Moments on the Card
While Bautista vs. Oliveira stole the spotlight, the rest of the UFC Vegas 113 card delivered its share of action.
In the co-main event, Kyoji Horiguchi overcame Amir Albazi by unanimous decision, reaffirming his own contender status in the flyweight ranks.
Other fighters such as Rizvan Kuniev and Michal Oleksiejczuk recorded important victories that night, setting up potential future opportunities.
With a mix of finishes and competitive battles, UFC Vegas 113 had something for every fan, blending emerging talent with established veterans.
Final Thoughts: A Statement Night for Bautista
From a highly anticipated main event to memorable supporting fights on the undercard, UFC Vegas 113 delivered a night of decisive victories and detailed performances.
Yet the narrative most UFC fans will carry forward remains tied to Mario Bautista, a fighter who made a bold statement with a technical and authoritative victory over a rising contender.
As the bantamweight division continues to shift and evolve, Bautista has emerged as one of the names that could play a central role in key matchups in 2026 and beyond.