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Patricio “Pitbull” Freire is ready to make a statement in his UFC debut, and he isn’t mincing words about his intentions. The former two-division champion steps into the Octagon for the first time at UFC 314 on April 12 in Miami, where he will square off against Yair Rodriguez, a former interim featherweight champion. With an already impressive legacy built in Bellator, Pitbull sees this fight as the perfect opportunity to cement his place in the UFC’s featherweight division.
After securing his release from the PFL earlier this year, Pitbull is wasting no time making an impact in his new home. The 37-year-old Brazilian veteran has been a dominant force in the sport, holding multiple Bellator titles at 145 and 155 pounds, and he plans to bring that same dominance to the UFC.
“He’s very dynamic, but I have power, and I’m going to smash him,” Pitbull confidently told MMA Fighting during a media scrum.
His reputation as a hard-hitting, aggressive fighter makes this a must-watch matchup, especially against a striker like Rodriguez.
The timing of Pitbull’s UFC debut is no coincidence. UFC 314’s main event features former champion Alexander Volkanovski taking on Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight title following Ilia Topuria’s move to lightweight. This setup has Pitbull believing that a victory over Rodriguez could launch him straight into title contention.
“The UFC didn’t say anything, but I feel the card they put me on, the position they put me in, they’re aligning me to be a contender in the featherweight division potentially,” he explained through a translator.
Currently ranked No. 5 in the featherweight division, Rodriguez represents a major test for Pitbull. A win on April 12 would not only solidify his place in the top five but could also open the door to a shot at the title.
“I’m always ready,” Pitbull declared. “We win that fight, [whoever wins the main event], I’m going to face, no problem. But I know it depends on my next fight. I know my place, but I’ll take that belt, you’ll see.”
With an explosive fighting style and championship experience, Pitbull’s UFC debut could shake up the featherweight division. The question now is—will he make good on his promise and smash Yair Rodriguez?