Featherweight grinders Pat Sabatini and Chepe Mariscal are set for a high-pressure collision at UFC 322 on Saturday night, as two of the division’s toughest, most relentless competitors battle to claw their way up a crowded rankings ladder.
Mariscal (18-6) remained unbeaten in the UFC, riding a five-fight promotional streak and eight straight wins overall coming into UFC 322. A strong showing against Sabatini on Saturday could finally push him into the featherweight rankings conversation.
Sabatini (20-5) entered the matchup on a two-fight winning streak, earning victories over Jonathan Pearce and Joanderson Brito.
Round 1 – Mariscal took the center of the cage while Sabatini circled on the outside. Sabatini landed a clean 1–2, then immediately dropped levels for a takedown and secured it. Mariscal threatened a heel hook on the way down, forcing Sabatini to defend, but eventually returned to his feet, only for Sabatini to drag him back down and quickly take the back.
Mariscal tried to scramble free, but Sabatini’s grappling experience showed as he maintained control and locked in a tight body triangle, forcing Mariscal to defend from a compromised position.
Mariscal eventually managed to reverse and land on top, but Sabatini wasted no time attacking submissions off his back. Mariscal disengaged, got back to his feet, and poured on pressure with punches as Sabatini retreated.
The round closed with Mariscal landing a clean head kick against the fence to punctuate the frame.
Round 2 – Mariscal’s confidence was sky-high after surviving what may have been Sabatini’s best sequence in the opening round. Sabatini shot for another takedown, and while Mariscal defended well initially, Sabatini refused to abandon the attempt and stayed glued to him.
Blood was pouring from Sabatini’s head, a cut opened by Mariscal’s last-second head kick to close Round 1. Mariscal scrambled repeatedly, but Sabatini maintained top control and worked from the back.
Mariscal exploded to his feet, only for Sabatini to drag him down again. This time Mariscal greeted him with sharp elbows from the bottom, targeting the cut. Sabatini regained top position and returned fire with elbows of his own, but none had the same impact.
Mariscal scrambled once more, Sabatini tried to secure the back, but Mariscal popped to his feet again, leaving Sabatini’s face smeared in blood. Sabatini shot for another takedown, ate a punch, got stuffed, and took a knee as he backed out.
The round closed with Sabatini finishing on top after securing a late takedown.
Round 3 – Sabatini flew in for a takedown, but got stuffed. Mariscal went after him, but Sabatini expertly waited for the right moment and easily took him back down. Sabatini took the back with just under 4 minutes left in the fight.
Mariscal began working back to his feet, but Sabatini dragged him back down. Mariscal got back to his feet, but wasn’t able to do much with the little bit of time he had left.
Official Result: Pat Sabatini def. Chepe Mariscal via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
