Patricio Pitbull is eager to make a significant impact in his first UFC appearance.
The former two-division champion will step into the octagon for the first time at UFC 314 on April 12 in Miami. His opponent will be former interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez. This fight marks Pitbull’s return to competition after being released from PFL in January, following his public request to become a free agent.
At 37 years old, Pitbull sees this as a prime opportunity to establish himself in a new organization, starting with a dominant performance against Rodriguez.
“He’s very dynamic, but I have the power, and I intend to smash him,” Pitbull stated in a media interview.
During his successful tenure with Bellator, before its acquisition by PFL in 2023, Pitbull became the promotion’s leading figure. He achieved multiple title reigns and defenses in the featherweight division, as well as winning the lightweight title in 2019. His impressive 36-7 professional record gives him considerable credibility, potentially leading to a fast track to a UFC championship opportunity.
UFC 314’s main event features former champion Alexander Volkanovski facing Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight belt. This vacancy arose after Ilia Topuria relinquished the title to move to the lightweight division. Pitbull believes his placement on this card is not coincidental.
“The UFC hasn’t explicitly said it, but I feel that the card they’ve placed me on, and my position on it, indicates they are positioning me as a potential contender in the featherweight division,” Pitbull explained.
Rodriguez is currently ranked No. 5 in the UFC featherweight rankings, suggesting that a victory for Pitbull on April 12 could place him in that position. If this victory also propels him into an immediate title shot, he is ready to accept.
“I’m always ready,” Pitbull asserted. “After winning this fight, I’m ready to face whoever wins the main event, no problem. I understand my current standing, but I’m aiming to take that belt, you will see.”
