UFC 314: From Bellator to the UFC, the journey is just beginning for Patricio Pitbull

Former Bellator three-time champion Patricio Pitbull is into his final preparations for his highly anticipated UFC debut against Mexican former title contender Yair Rodriguez.

The pair will clash in Miami, Florida at UFC 314 on Saturday, where Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes headline.

The Brazilian native has formed quite the reputation for himself in the world of Mixed Martial Arts, acclaiming titles in two separate weight classes.

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He's taken titles at featherweight and lightweight within the Bellator organisation - now part of the PFL - and is now widely regarded as the greatest fighter to have fought under Bellator.

With notable wins over Michael Chandler, AJ Mckee and Emmanuel Sanchez, Pitbull has already established his legacy in the history of Bellator and now looks to do the same in the UFC with a win over Yair Rodriguez this weekend. 

(Bellator MMA)

Boasting an impressive 24 finishes in 34 victories (12 knockouts and 12 submissions) Patricio Freire 'Pitbull' reign of dominance in Bellator has lasted well over a decade, winning the Bellator featherweight tournament all the way back in 2011.

Since then he has competed in seventeen championship fights in both weight divisions with a total of nine successful title defenses.

His last victory was a stunning finish in Bellator back in March 2024 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, against rising contender Jeremy Kennedy, defending his featherweight title for a second consecutive title defence. 

The big question, however, is, how big a step up is the UFC from Bellator? Will it prove too much for the now 37-year-old? 

Due to the nature of his legacy, he is being thrown straight into the deep end against the much younger, number five ranked, Rodriguez.

Holding impressive victories over Brian Ortega, Josh Emmet, Jung Chan-Sung (Korean Zombie), Dan Hooker and B.J Penn, Yair Rodriguez is a seriously dangerous contender himself. 

The last time we saw a top fighter from another organisation make their debut against the top of the UFC it did not go too well.

Rising star Kai Asakura had an unsuccessful attempt at UFC gold in a flyweight championship fight. Against reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja, he was forced to submit in the second round. 

Despite this, Pitbull believes it will be different when he steps in the octagon on Saturday night.

A step up too far?

In a recent interview with the UFC, he said: “Finally, after a long journey in professional MMA, to be able to make my UFC debut at 37 years old is something I'm proud of. 

"I’m arriving with vast experience and ready to bother the division. I'm bringing some heat and willing to take the belt back to Brazil."  

He added: “A fight with Yair Rodriguez puts me in a great place in the division, So, if my performance is really good, I believe I will fight for the title.

“He’s good, he’s very dynamic, but I’m better. I put pressure on him, put him down, and smash him. That’s what’s going to happen. 

"They’re going to see the best featherweight on the planet in action, and the most complete featherweight on the planet.”

On the same event former champion Alexander Volkanovski is competing against number 3 ranked Diego Lopes on the main event for the vacant featherweight title, the same division Pitbull is competing in. 

Volk admitted at the press conference for this event, he made a bet with Patricio Pitbull for a shot at the title years ago and intends on keeping his promises, given they both get past their opponents on Saturday. 

It means Saturday night could be the beginning of a new legacy for the Pitbull.

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