Just a few weeks ago, in an appearance on ‘The Ariel Helwani Show’, Marlon Vera voiced his thoughts on his UFC 316 opponent, Mario Bautista. “I’m here for a reason, and this is another chance for me to prove myself and go in there and put a clinic on a guy like this.” But now, that chance has seemingly vanished into thin air. So, what happened?

As the UFC 316 hype began to build, a bombshell was dropped on social media. According to a recent post by ‘MMA Orbit’ on X, “Marlon Vera is OUT of his #UFC316 bout with Mario Bautista on June 7th.” No explanation. No statement. Just silence from ‘Chito.’ And now? Fans are scrambling for answers and replacements for Dana White and the promotion.

The Vera vs. Bautista bout had already gone through one shuffle. Originally set for UFC Des Moines, it was then bumped to UFC 316 without any reports indicating the reasons behind the move. Now, it might not happen at all unless Dana White can find a new dance partner for Mario Bautista. And two names have already taken the lead, Patchy Mix and Petr Yan.

Mix, fresh out of the PFL, is finally free after months of frustration. The former Bellator bantamweight champion last fought in May 2024, securing his seventh straight win. But inactivity and a canceled bout with Leandro Higo had him begging for release. Now that PFL has granted his wish, the now-former Bellator champ is officially the hottest free agent at 135 pounds. He already trains in Vegas with Merab Dvalishvili. So the timing? Couldn’t be better!

And then there’s Petr Yan, the former UFC bantamweight champ who’s itching for a comeback. He recently called out Cory Sandhagen for a July showdown, even pitching a title eliminator. In an interview with Submission Radio, he stated, “I want to fight June, July, I will be ready.”

So, who gets the call? Patchy Mix with the perfect storyline? Petr Yan with his hunger for gold? Or someone entirely unexpected? Fans haven’t held back in their speculation and demands as we take a look at what the netizens had to say!

Fans point to Patchy Mix and Petr Yan as Dana White and the UFC left scrambling with Marlon Vera’s UFC 316 withdrawal

One fan wrote, “Good for him cause Mario was about to pin him on his back for 15 mins.”  Bautista’s last fight at UFC 307 was a split decision win over the legend, Jose Aldo. However, he came under fire due to getting the judges’ nods despite failing in his takedown attempts repeatedly and being unable to land significant strikes. So, maybe ‘Chito’ did dodge a bullet? What do you think?

But another fan exclaimed, “I’m hearing Patchy Mix is stepping in!?!” This comment reflects the excitement around Mix’s sudden free agency. After months of inactivity in PFL, fans are hyped at the idea of him debuting in the UFC against a ranked opponent like Bautista. The question is, is there any truth to the rumblings about his move to the UFC? Only time will tell!

However, for some, there’s another name that should be considered, as one fan wrote, “Yan vs. Bautista makes the most sense.” With Petr Yan actively seeking a summer return, this fan sees a clear solution. A fight against Bautista could serve as a compelling clash and offer Yan a direct path back into title contention.

In fact, not everyone was heartbroken over Vera’s withdrawal, as they wrote, “Eh, it was gonna be boring anyway.” The matchup likely brought back memories of Bautista’s slow, grinding fight against Aldo. And with ‘Chito’ being a notoriously slow-starter in his fights, fans may have been anticipating a slow, grappling-heavy bout with little fireworks.

Another added, “So not only is Chito f—- s—- he’s now also pulled out of the one thing he had to redeem himself… f—- this mf.” The tone here is pure frustration. Vera’s recent losses to Sean O’Malley and Deiveson Figuereido already had critics questioning his place in the division. And now, pulling out of UFC 316 was the last straw in what they see as a downward spiral.

To wrap things up, Patchy Mix seems tailor-made for the opportunity, hot off his PFL exit, training with top-tier talent, and hungry for a UFC debut. On the flip side, Petr Yan brings name value, championship pedigree, and a ticking clock for his return.

But whether it’s Mix, Yan, or a wildcard no one saw coming, one thing is certain: the fans want answers and Dana White needs a solution. So, who gets the nod? The fresh blood or the former king? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!