Patricio Pitbull, a former Bellator champion, is open to fighting Jose Aldo now that they are both in the UFC, although he has no strong desire for the matchup, while preparing for his octagon debut against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314 and contemplating future weight class changes depending on the challenge.
Once upon a time, Patricio Pitbull and Jose Aldo ruled the featherweight divisions in Bellator and UFC. Now, with both fighters under the same promotional umbrella, Pitbull’s open to a showdown.
Pitbull’s set to make his octagon debut against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314. After a stellar 24-6 run in Bellator, he’s just one win away from a potential title shot on April 12. Meanwhile, Aldo’s busy at bantamweight, gearing up to face Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315 on May 10.
“I don’t have this burning desire to fight Aldo,” Pitbull confessed to MMA Fighting. “But if the UFC offers it, I’d be happy to take it.” He mused about the missed opportunity if they never clash: “Damn, they haven’t fought each other after so much time as featherweight champions.”
The ex-two-division Bellator champ admitted that beating Aldo wouldn’t crown him as the ultimate featherweight legend. But it’d answer a long-standing question. He feels some folks lean toward the UFC when comparing legacies but insists, “my place in history is already reserved.”
“For Aldo and UFC fans, he’s the greatest featherweight ever,” Pitbull noted. “Yet some fight aficionados whisper, ‘There’s also Patricio.’ Maybe he could contend for that legendary title.” A fight might not settle who’s done more, but it’d reveal who ignites first. “I don’t crave fighting Aldo,” he added, “but it’d be quite the spectacle.”
Pitbull’s no stranger to belts—he’s clinched them at featherweight and lightweight in Bellator. He even toppled RIZIN’s featherweight champ Kleber Koike in Japan before attempting a historic cut to 135 pounds against Sergio Pettis. Though he lost by decision, he’s open to weight class shifts again under the UFC banner.
“Depending on the challenge, we’re game,” Pitbull declared. “From 135 to 170, it’s all about the opponent. Even at 170! If he’s got a history like mine and isn’t too young, we’re in.”