Yair Rodriguez agreed to fight Patricio Pitbull without much persuasion, but Pitbull still tried to provoke him.
These featherweight fighters will compete at UFC 314 on April 12 in Miami. Rodriguez wants to end his two-fight losing streak against Pitbull, a former Bellator champion making his UFC debut. Pitbull mentioned on The Ariel Helwani Show that he sent Rodriguez a direct message challenging him to show his “Mexican pride.”
Rodriguez wasn’t offended by Pitbull’s approach and stated he didn’t take the bait.
Rodriguez believes Pitbull was just eager to fight in the UFC and needed Rodriguez to accept the fight. He said he agreed to the fight after Pitbull’s DM, seeing Pitbull’s tactics as childish.
Pitbull’s UFC debut comes after he requested and received his release from PFL, following PFL’s acquisition of Bellator. His UFC signing and the Rodriguez fight were announced together.
Pitbull is a decorated Bellator champion, increasing anticipation for him to fight top UFC fighters. The UFC 314 main event is Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight title, meaning Rodriguez or Pitbull could be a replacement if needed.
Rodriguez believes he would be chosen over Pitbull as a replacement, given Pitbull’s recent UFC signing.
Rodriguez is focused on Pitbull and not considering being a main event replacement. He acknowledges Pitbull’s experience despite being new to the UFC.
Rodriguez believes fighters from other major leagues are talented enough for the UFC but sometimes need the right opportunity.
