Patricio Pitbull was granted his full launch from PFL on Jan. 15 earlier than partaking in a month-long negotiation with the UFC. He now will get to dwell “a novel second in my profession” signing for his first octagon bout with Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314 in Miami, Fla., on April 12.
In line with the previous Bellator two-division champion, nonetheless, that was not the primary possibility thrown his means.
The 37-year-old veteran, who knocked out Jeremy Kennedy to defend his featherweight title in his closing Bellator bout again in March 2024, informed MMA Combating the UFC supplied him many potential choices earlier than lastly getting an opponent to agree.
“It was onerous as a result of they didn’t sound very excited at first,” Pitbull stated. “There was a gathering with [Jorge Guimarães] ‘Joinha’ and Ed [Soares] and the UFC. One [UFC person] wished it, one other didn’t, and one tried to persuade the opposite. ‘Joinha’ stated to me, ‘Brother, belief me, it would work out ultimately.’ And out of a sudden they requested if I’d struggle Aljamain Sterling in March. I stated I’m in, however he ran. He stated he wanted extra time to struggle, that he would solely be capable to struggle in April.
“Then they supplied me Yair Rodriguez, however he didn’t reply. I messaged him in non-public. ‘What’s up brother, will you struggle or not? The place’s your Mexican satisfaction?’ Teased him just a little bit. He stated it could be very gratifying to welcome me to the group. However when the UFC contacted him, he turned it down and requested for a ranked opponent.
“Cool, UFC gave him Arnold Allen. I informed ‘Joinha’ to remain on it as a result of Arnold Allen would pull out from this struggle. He would in all probability get injured. We all know that when somebody takes a struggle on such quick discover, and he doesn’t have a whole camp, most guys keep away from that. And with the intention to keep away from saying no to the UFC, they take it after which ‘get damage.’ ‘Joinha’ texted [the UFC] and stated I’d be prepared.”
Within the meantime, Pitbull stated he was supplied to step in as a late-notice alternative towards Steve Garcia on Feb. 22, stepping in after Edson Barboza suffered an damage, however the 10-day window would make it not possible for him to get a visa to struggle in the US.
All these affords occurred earlier than Patricio even signed a contract with the UFC.
“I stored coaching with Yair Rodriguez in thoughts,” Pitbull stated. “They stated Dana White was going to announce the struggle final night time after which [Rodriguez] must take it. And that’s what occurred. Let’s see if he’ll keep on the struggle or get injured [laughs].”
Pitbull stated “there was no finest match-up” for him to debut within the UFC as he’s dealing with a top-ranked 145-pounder on the identical card. Alexander Volkanovski battles Diego Lopes for the undisputed featherweight belt. Ilia Topuria vacated the title to maneuver as much as the light-weight division.
“I’m pleased that at this stage of my profession, 37 years previous, I’m capable of enter the world’s largest group in a high struggle in my weight class,” Pitbull stated. “That places me on a better degree, extra related. I’m proud of that. It’s additionally a recognition that I can do it. In reality, a definitive victory may imply I’m preventing for the title subsequent.”
The Brazilian made a reputation for himself as the best champion in Bellator historical past with gold belts at featherweight and light-weight, and ensures there’s no additional strain competing in entrance of a bigger viewers within the UFC.
“Many individuals noticed [my wins] however doubt the opponents I’ve confronted, even the blokes with extraordinary information,” Pitbull stated. “I’ve that as motivation. My expertise doesn’t let me deal with it as strain. Fairly the alternative. I take advantage of that as motivation to go there and tear him aside. That’s what pitbulls do, and that’s what I’m going to do.”
Open to compete in any division from bantamweight all the best way as much as welterweight, if the title thrown his means is smart, Pitbull stays focuses on beating Rodriguez and incomes a shot on the winner of Volkanovski vs. Lopes.
“[Lopes] is new blood, he’s explosive and hungry,” Pitbull stated. “Volkanovski doesn’t have the identical chin anymore. He’s an advanced man to struggle, he jumps round and has many feints, and Diego Lopes must keep away from that type of technique. And if there’s a Brazil vs. Brazil struggle for the title subsequent, it’s an honor for me, no downside.
“I got here right here to struggle for the title. I don’t wish to be one other man that got here into the group and had an unsuccessful profession. We all know that may occur, however we’ll do our greatest to return right here at our greatest. I’m very assured.”
