UFC newcomer Patricio Pitbull is set to share a fight card with his longtime rival Michael Chandler for the first time since their Bellator clash in 2019, an event Pitbull is calling historic.
Pitbull previously defeated Chandler in just 61 seconds to become a two-division champion at Bellator 221, avenging his brother Patricky Pitbull. Shortly after this victory, Chandler moved to the UFC.
Patricio continued his Bellator career, winning seven of his next eight featherweight fights before requesting his release from PFL in early 2025. Now, the Brazilian fighter is scheduled to face Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314, just before Chandler competes against Paddy Pimblett in the co-main event on April 12 in Miami.
In a conversation with MMA Fighting after signing with the UFC, the former Bellator champion expressed his excitement about joining the UFC and facing a top-ranked featherweight, especially on the same card as Chandler.
“It’s a historic first – father and son fighting on the same day,” Pitbull joked, referring to his rivalry with Chandler.
Pitbull mentioned his willingness to fight in various weight classes, from bantamweight to welterweight, if the opportunity arises, suggesting a potential future rematch with Chandler at lightweight.
Chandler’s UFC record currently stands at two wins and four losses, with defeats against Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier in his recent fights.
“The desire to defeat him will always be there,” Pitbull said about potentially meeting Chandler during fight week in Miami. “I will respect him, of course. We are athletes, and respect is important. After our fight [in Bellator], I shook his hand. But my competitive drive against him will remain until we are old men [laughs].”
