Patricio Pitbull is eager to make a strong impression in his first UFC fight.
The former two-division champion will enter the octagon for the first time at UFC 314 on April 12 in Miami. His opponent will be Yair Rodriguez, a former interim featherweight champion. 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 great opportunity to establish himself in the UFC, starting with a dominant performance against Rodriguez.
“He is very dynamic, but I have power and I will smash him,” Pitbull stated in an interview.
During his time in Bellator, before it was acquired by PFL in 2023, Pitbull was the face of the organization. He held multiple title reigns and defenses at featherweight and also won the lightweight title in 2019. With a professional record of 36-7, he has a strong case to be fast-tracked to a UFC championship fight.
The UFC 314 main event features Alexander Volkanovski facing Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight title. This became vacant after Ilia Topuria, the former champion, moved up to lightweight. Pitbull believes it is not a coincidence that his debut is on the same card.
“The UFC hasn’t said anything directly, but I feel that the card they placed me on and my position on it suggests they are aligning me to be a potential contender in the featherweight division,” Pitbull explained.
Rodriguez is currently ranked No. 5 in the UFC featherweight rankings, implying Pitbull could take that spot with a victory on April 12. If this leads to an immediate title shot, Pitbull is ready.
“I am always ready,” Pitbull said. “After I win this fight, I will face whoever wins the main event, no problem. I know it depends on this next fight. I understand my position, but I am going to take that belt, you will see.”
