Patricio Pitbull, a former Bellator featherweight champion, lost his UFC debut to Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314, reflecting on his lack of urgency and planning to adopt a more aggressive approach in future fights while seeking input from fans on his next opponent.
Patricio Pitbull, a formidable force under the Bellator banner, finished nearly half of his fights there. He amassed a record of 24-6, with 14 stoppages during three featherweight title reigns. Yet, his much-anticipated UFC debut didn’t mirror that success.
In UFC 314’s main card, the 37-year-old Brazilian faced Yair Rodriguez and lost by decision. Leaving Miami, Pitbull felt he could’ve done better. He admitted the fight’s early stages were “boring,” with little action. Ultimately, Rodriguez earned the victory.
“Maybe my sense of urgency was slow to kick in after years of five-round bouts,” Pitbull confessed to MMA Fighting. Hesitation can lead to mistakes, and he’s not a fan of those. He likes precision—hitting the target when he fires. Reflecting on the bout, he wished he’d been more aggressive but knows it’s too late now.
Surprisingly, Pitbull didn’t feel octagon jitters during his UFC debut. If anything, he might have been “too relaxed.” Accustomed to winning in Bellator, he’s determined to change his UFC trajectory.
“Now that I’m no longer champion, I must hunt my opponents,” Pitbull declared. And that’s precisely what he plans to do in future fights.
Engaging fans on social media, Pitbull initiated a poll to choose his next opponent. Dan Ige emerged as the favorite over Josh Emmett, Aljamain Sterling, and Diego Lopes. Coincidentally, Ige also fought in Miami that night, controversially knocking out Sean Woodson.
“They’re all solid contenders,” Pitbull remarked about potential opponents. But he’s asked the UFC for a surprise matchup. Had he defeated Yair Rodriguez, he’d likely be in the top 5 now, with title talk buzzing around him. Instead, he’s eyeing the top 15—a bit frustrating but necessary for now.
Life’s unpredictable like that; sometimes you win big, sometimes you recalibrate and strategize anew.