Patricio Pitbull, who alongside Jose Aldo, dominated the featherweight division for years in Bellator and UFC respectively, is now willing to face Aldo now that both fighters are under the UFC banner.
Ahead of his UFC debut against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314, Pitbull, boasting a successful 24-6 record from Bellator, believes a victory on April 12 could put him in title contention. Meanwhile, Aldo is currently competing in the bantamweight division and is scheduled to fight Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315 on May 10.
“I don’t specifically desire to fight Aldo, but considering the circumstances, if the UFC offers the fight, I would gladly accept it,” Pitbull told MMA Fighting. “If this fight doesn`t happen, it would be a shame, given our parallel reigns as featherweight champions.”
The former two-division Bellator champion believes that defeating Aldo wouldn`t definitively crown him the greatest featherweight of all time. However, it would resolve a long-standing question. Pitbull feels there`s a bias favoring UFC fighters in legacy discussions, but asserts that “my place in history is already secured.”
“For Aldo and UFC fans, he is undoubtedly the greatest featherweight,” Pitbull stated. “However, some knowledgeable fight observers consider Patricio as a contender for that title. Ultimately, a fight would be the best way to address this. It wouldn`t definitively decide who is superior historically, but it would provide an immediate answer and a significant victory for the winner. While I don’t actively seek a fight with Aldo, it would be a compelling matchup.”
Pitbull has held titles at featherweight and lightweight in Bellator, and even defeated RIZIN featherweight champion Kleber Koike in a non-title bout in Japan. He previously attempted to make history by dropping to bantamweight to challenge Sergio Pettis in Bellator, but lost by decision. He is now open to moving between weight classes again in the UFC.
“Depending on the challenge, we are willing to move weight classes,” Pitbull said. “From bantamweight to welterweight, depending on the opponent. Even welterweight could be an option if the opponent has a similar career trajectory and experience level to mine. We would consider it.”
