Patricio Pitbull’s Journey to the UFC
Patricio Pitbull, the former Bellator two-division champion, is set to make his highly anticipated UFC debut at UFC 314 in Miami, Florida, on April 12. The 37-year-old veteran, known for his powerful knockout punch and strategic prowess, has done the incredible by maintaining his dominance in two weight classes. His journey to this moment, however, was far from straightforward. After being granted his full release from the Professional Fighters League (PFL) on January 15, Pitbull embarked on a month-long negotiation process with the UFC. Initially, the UFC was hesitant, and the discussions were marked by mixed feelings. It was a challenging period, but one that ultimately led to a significant milestone in his career.
The Initial Hurdles
The negotiations began with a meeting involving Pitbull’s managers, Jorge Guimarães (‘Joinha’) and Ed Soares, and key UFC personnel. Pitbull recounted how the UFC team wasn’t initially enthusiastic. "It was hard because they didn’t sound very excited at first," he said. "There was a meeting with ‘Joinha’ and Ed, and the UFC. One UFC person wanted it, another didn’t, and one tried to convince the other. ‘Joinha’ said to me, ‘Brother, trust me, it will work out in the end.’" Despite the skepticism, the UFC eventually offered Pitbull a fight against Aljamain Sterling in March. However, Sterling backed out, citing the need for more time to prepare. The offer was then shifted to Yair Rodriguez, but Rodriguez also initially declined, requesting a ranked opponent instead. Pitbull didn’t let his frustration show and instead took matters into his own hands.
Taking Charge
Frustrated by the lack of commitment, Pitbull decided to take a proactive approach. He privately messaged Rodriguez, teasing him a bit to elicit a response. "I messaged Yair in private. ‘What’s up brother, will you fight or not? Where’s your Mexican pride?’ I told him it would be very gratifying to welcome me to the organization," Pitbull shared. While Rodriguez initially showed enthusiasm, he ultimately turned down the offer when the UFC reached out. Pitbull’s determination didn’t waver, and he continued to train with Yair Rodriguez in mind. "I kept training with Yair Rodriguez in mind. They said Dana White was going to announce the fight last night and then [Rodriguez] would have to take it. And that’s what happened," he said.
Short Notice and Visa Woes
The UFC’s offers didn’t just stop with Rodriguez. Pitbull was also approached to step in as a late-notice replacement against Steve Garcia on February 22, especially after Edson Barboza suffered an injury. The catch, however, was a significant one. "The 10-day window would make it impossible for me to get a visa to fight in the United States," Pitbull explained. This setback underscored the logistical challenges fighters often face when accepting short-notice bouts. Despite the complications, Pitbull remained committed and focused on his ultimate goal.
Debuting in a Top Fight
After all the negotiations and rejections, the UFC finally confirmed that Pitbull would face Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314. Pitbull expressed his satisfaction with the match-up, stating, "I’m happy that at this stage of my career, 37 years old, I’m able to enter the world’s largest organization in a top fight in my weight class. That puts me on a higher level, more relevant. I’m happy with that. It’s also a recognition that I can do it. In fact, a definitive victory could mean I’m fighting for the title next." The fight will be part of a stacked card that includes the main event between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes, where the undisputed featherweight belt will be on the line. This high-profile debut is not just a testament to Pitbull’s skills but also to his resilience and determination.
Motivation and Pressure
Despite facing a top-ranked opponent at the start of his UFC career, Pitbull remains unfazed by the pressure. "Many people saw [my wins] but doubt the opponents I’ve faced, even the guys with extraordinary records. I have that as motivation. My experience doesn’t let me treat it as pressure. Quite the opposite. I use that as motivation to go there and tear him apart. That’s what pitbulls do, and that’s what I’m going to do," he confidently declared. The Brazilian fighter has a history of turning doubt into fuel, and this debut is no different. His journey, marked by numerous challenges, has only strengthened his resolve to prove himself in the octagon.
Looking Forward
Patricio Pitbull is open to competing in any division from bantamweight to welterweight, provided the opponent makes sense. For now, his focus is solely on defeating Yair Rodriguez and earning a shot at the winner of Volkanovski vs. Lopes. "Lopes is new blood, he’s explosive and hungry. Volkanovski doesn’t have the same chin anymore. He’s a complicated man to fight, he jumps around and has many feints, and Diego Lopes will have to avoid that kind of strategy. And if there’s a Brazil vs. Brazil fight for the title next, it’s an honor for me, no problem." Pitbull’s confidence is palpable, and he is determined to make a significant impact in the UFC from day one. He came to the organization to fight for the title, and he won’t let anything stand in his way.
