Yair Rodriguez delivered a stark introduction to the UFC octagon for Patricio Pitbull, securing a decisive unanimous decision victory in their UFC 314 clash.
Throughout the fight, Rodriguez displayed superior striking, consistently outmaneuvering Pitbull. He punctuated his performance with a late knockdown, almost finishing the fight. Despite Pitbull`s resilience, he struggled to inflict significant damage, with Rodriguez controlling the fight from beginning to end.
All three judges scored the bout 30-27 in favor of Rodriguez, marking his return to the win column after suffering two consecutive losses.
“I knew he would be a tough opponent,” Rodriguez commented post-fight. “My aim was to finish him in the first round, and I had a specific technique in mind, but he was well-prepared. Respect to Patricio Pitbull for venturing into the UFC. Let`s bring a title fight to Mexico, in Guadalajara this September, I want to compete for the championship there.”
Leveraging his reach and height advantage, Rodriguez effectively launched strikes from a distance, while Pitbull appeared hesitant to engage early on, a known tendency for him. Rodriguez strategically selected his shots, mindful of Pitbull’s renowned knockout power.
A powerful head kick from Rodriguez landed squarely on Pitbull, who responded with a smile, beckoning Rodriguez to advance. Although Pitbull managed to secure a takedown late in the first round by catching a kick, the round concluded without further incident.
Pitbull showed increased aggression in the second round, landing a solid left hand that momentarily stunned Rodriguez. However, this did not deter Rodriguez, who continued to employ diverse kicks, with Pitbull struggling to close the distance.
In the final round, with Pitbull needing a finish, Rodriguez maintained his kicking strategy, exhibiting confidence. Pitbull`s increased aggression proved costly when Rodriguez landed a powerful blow, knocking down the former Bellator champion.
Rodriguez followed up with a barrage of punches and elbows on the ground as Pitbull fought to survive. Pitbull attempted an armbar submission from the bottom, coming close but Rodriguez escaped.
The fight concluded with Rodriguez landing strikes on Pitbull, celebrating a dominant victory over a highly regarded Bellator veteran.
This victory positions Rodriguez to potentially contend for a title shot when the UFC returns to Mexico in September, although several factors need to align given his mixed record in recent fights.
