Sabatini Wrestled Through the Blood to End Mariscal’s UFC Winning Run
Pat Sabatini defeated Chepe Mariscal by unanimous decision at UFC 322 on November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York. All three judges scored the featherweight contest 30–27 after Sabatini’s wrestling overcame damaging moments on the feet.
The rematch revisited a meeting from years earlier
Mariscal had won their first fight outside the UFC in 2018. He entered the rematch with victories in his first five UFC appearances and an eight-fight overall winning streak.
Sabatini’s response centered on grappling, but Mariscal landed a head kick near the end of the opening round. The strike cut Sabatini around the hairline and created a visible problem despite his positional work.
Blood complicated control without ending the wrestling attack
Sabatini returned to takedowns early in the second and reached the back. Mariscal eventually escaped to his feet, but another takedown restored Sabatini’s control before the round finished.
Further facial damage left Sabatini visibly bloodied. He nevertheless continued following the same approach rather than abandoning the positions that were giving him the greater advantage.
A disciplined final round completed the reversal of their rivalry
Sabatini again wrestled to back control in the third and maintained his positional offense through the closing stages. Mariscal could not produce the finish needed to overturn the overall direction of the fight.
The unanimous verdict gave Sabatini a third consecutive victory and handed Mariscal his first UFC loss. Their second meeting ended differently from the first because Sabatini sustained his wrestling despite the cuts and dangerous late-round striking.
Sources
- LowKick MMA: cuts, takedowns and back control
- UFC: unanimous 30–27 scorecards
- UFC: 2018 meeting and winning streaks
Article Tags
Pat Sabatini, Chepe Mariscal, UFC, MMA
