Sabatini (20-5) entered the bout on a two-fight winning streak with victories over Jonathan Pearce and Joanderson Brito.
Round 1 – Mariscal took the center of the cage while Sabatini circled on the outside. Sabatini scored a clean 1-2, then immediately lowered the level for a takedown and secured it. Mariscal threatened with 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 break free, but Sabatini’s wrestling experience was on display as he maintained control and locked himself 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 from his back. Mariscal broke away, got back to his feet and applied pressure with punches as Sabatini retreated.
The round ended with Mariscal landing a clean head kick against the fence to punctuate the frame.
Round 2 – Mariscal’s confidence was sky high after surviving perhaps Sabatini’s best run in the opening round. Sabatini shot for another takedown, and although Mariscal initially defended well, Sabatini refused to abandon the attempt and remained glued to him.
Blood poured from Sabatini’s head, a gash opened by Mariscal’s head kick in the last second that ended Round 1. Mariscal scrambled repeatedly, but Sabatini maintained top control and worked from the back.
Mariscal got to his feet, but Sabatini pulled him down again. This time Mariscal greeted him with sharp elbows from below, aiming for the cut. Sabatini regained top position and fired back with his own elbows, but none had the same impact.
Mariscal scrambled again, Sabatini tried to secure the back, but Mariscal jumped back up, leaving Sabatini’s face covered in blood. Sabatini shot for another takedown, ate a punch, got stuffed and got down on one knee as he pulled out.
The round ended with Sabatini finishing on top after a late takedown.
Round 3 – Sabatini flew in for a takedown, but got stuffed. Mariscal went after him, but Sabatini skillfully waited for the right moment and took him down again with ease. Sabatini took the back with just under 4 minutes left in the fight.
Mariscal started to get back to his feet, but Sabatini dragged him back down. Mariscal got back up, but couldn’t do much with the little time he had left.
Official result: Patbatini Def. Chepe Marical via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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