UFC bantamweight contender Mario Bautista has no doubt that he’ll be able to stay focused on the task at hand when he shares the Octagon with José Aldo this weekend.
Bautista has earned the right to be Aldo’s second opponent since returning from a short-lived retirement this past May, with the pair set to collide on the main card of Saturday’s UFC 307 pay-per-view.
In Rio de Janeiro earlier this year, the former featherweight king got the better of a Jonathan Martinez who admitted the Brazilian’s aura and legend status put him off on fight night.
When it comes to that danger, Bautista has little doubt about his ability to eliminate any and all admiration he has for Aldo when the cage door closes behind him…
Bautista Not Affected By Facing Legend Like Aldo
During a recent interview for UFC.com, Bautista looked ahead to the opportunity to secure the biggest scalp of his career to date in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The #11-ranked bantamweight noted that he used to enjoy watching Aldo during his WEC days and has fond memories of his UFC battles with Chad Mendes.
But while those remarks could perhaps arise worries of Bautista falling to the same fate as Martinez, the 31-year-old dismissed that as a concern.
“I don’t think it’s going to be like that,” said Bautista. “I’ve never really felt like that. Yeah, it’s going to be my first time, but I think someone trying to knock me out and fighting me, I’m not going to let it just happen. I’m not that type of person. So I don’t care who you are, if you’re trying to fight, I’m always willing and ready.
“Hey, we’re in there to fight. You’re trying to take my money. We’re fighting for the same spot. It’s my turn now. You’ve had your turn,” Bautista continued. “I’m sorry. That’s just the way I look at it. Maybe I’ll feel differently afterwards, but, as of now, I have to break him.”
Aldo’s decision to commit to another UFC contract came in spite of his ongoing ambitions in the ring. But while boxing has been on his mind, “Junior’s” desire to hold gold on MMA’s biggest stage proved to be overriding.
On Saturday, though, Bautista has the chance to halt Aldo’s push for a late-career title shot in its tracks.
