Mario Bautista plans to let Jose Aldo fight at UFC 307: 'I'll let him fight'

Mario Bautista is excited and honored to face a legend like Jose Aldo at UFC 307.

Bautista is coming off a decision win over Ricky Simon in January. He has been fighting for a fight since then, but nine months later he will return to the Octagon on Saturday. Although the wait is much longer, he says the opponent is worth it.

“Honestly I was kind of surprised, I know I was pushing for the Rob Font fight. It got to the point where I thought I would take anyone even if they weren't in the top 15,” Bautista said on Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com. “I had no idea what the UFC was thinking. When they gave me this name I was pretty excited and happy. It was worth the wait…I never imagined it, but growing up I imagined myself competing against these top guys.”

Against Aldo, Bautista knows that defending the Brazilian's kicks is the key to success. However, he says part of the plan is to set a high pace and take the fight to Aldo, which he believes will lead to success.

“Just being very mindful and working with people in training who are throwing a lot of leg kicks and making them throw more,” Bautista said. “I just work it into my routine, my shadowboxing, my sparring, and prepare myself mentally and visually. We did it… I have to keep a fast pace. I know I have the gas tank and that will be a big deal in this fight. I will force him to fight.”

If Mario Bautista can pick up the pace and be the aggressive fighter at UFC 307 against Jose Aldo, the American believes it will result in his hand being raised.

“It will be a fast-paced fight. If we manage to finish, that would be nice, but I have never lost a decision, so if it comes to that, I see myself as a winner,” Bautista added.

If Mario Bautista gets his hand raised at UFC 307, the goal will be to get a top-five opponent next.

“Hopefully it gives me its place. But it gets me into the top 10 and ready for a top 5 opponent. It will give me more attention and more attention and add value. This will prepare me for the top 5,” Bautista concluded.