The long-speculated arrival of Patricio “Pitbull” Freire to the UFC is now official. As of February 19, 2025, via Dana White’s bombshell Instagram Live news drop, the former Bellator featherweight and lightweight champion has signed with the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization and is wasting no time in making his UFC debut.
White confirmed that Patricio Pitbull’s first fight will be against No. 5-ranked featherweight contender Yair “El Pantera” Rodriguez at UFC 314 in Miami, Florida.
Patricio Pitbull’s Rocky Path to the UFC
Though optimistic about a late-career run for UFC gold at 37 years old, the promotional newcomer’s transition has been anything but smooth sailing. After defending his featherweight title in March 2024 against Jeremy Kennedy winning by TKO in the third round, Pitbull endured months of frustration with PFL upper management, citing a lack of communication, unfulfilled contractual promises, and general mismanagement. Feeling as though his career was being held hostage, he made repeated pleas for his release, seeking a new stage to showcase his skills. After a prolonged struggle, Patricio Pitbull was finally granted his release, paving the way for his UFC career.
What Patricio Pitbull Brings to the Octagon
Patricio Pitbull brings a refreshing skill set to the featherweight division. His bladed, rangy, and bouncy karate stance allows him to control the pace of the fight while staying elusive and out of range of his opponents’ strikes. A threat on the ground as well, Pitbull possesses an exceptional arm-in guillotine choke, which has dissuaded many fighters from trying to engage with him on the ground. He has proven his prowess with notable wins over impressive opponents, including #7-ranked lightweight contender Michael Chandler, current Rizin featherweight champion Kleber Koike Erbst, AJ McKee, and Juan Archuleta.
A Hard Road Ahead For Patricio Pitbull
History has shown that promotional newcomers, such as Patricio Pitbull, often face significant challenges in their UFC debuts, even after successful careers in other organizations. Carlos Condit, a former WEC welterweight champion with a record breaking three title defenses, lost to Martin Kampmann in his UFC debut.
Similarly, Eddie Alvarez, after reclaiming the Bellator lightweight title from Michael Chandler, lost by decision to Donald Cerrone in his UFC debut. And most recently, in December 2024, Kai Asakura vacated his Rizin Bantamweight title to fight UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja and lost by rear-naked choke in the second round. For Pitbull, the jump in the level of competition from Bellator to the UFC is not made any easier by who the top brass has chosen for his first opponent.
Yair Rodriguez, with a record of 19-5-1, is one of the most exciting and dynamic fighters in the UFC. Known for his striking versatility, impressive footwork, and devastating kicks, Rodriguez has become one of the most feared competitors in the division.
With over a decade of experience in the UFC, he has showcased his striking acumen and incredible athleticism, delivering some of the most spectacular highlight finishes in the promotion’s history. Rodriguez has fought for the title and even taken Max Holloway to a hard-fought decision, proving he belongs at the top.
What Happens If He Wins?
If Patricio Pitbull defeats Yair Rodriguez, he could swiftly position himself as a top contender in the division. With his career winding down, Pitbull is unlikely to settle for anything less than a fight against someone ranked above him.
The top of the UFC featherweight division, however, has been in a state of uncertainty following Ilia Topuria’s decision to vacate the title. This has led to Alexander Volkanovski facing Diego Lopes for the vacant belt at UFC 314.
Meanwhile, Movsar Evloev, who is riding a nine-fight unbeaten streak, is clearly the most deserving of a title shot among top five. However, Dana White has shown a lack of enthusiasm for granting him the opportunity following his competitive performance against Aljamain Sterling.
As a result, it wouldn’t be surprising at all to see a matchup between Patricio Pitbull and Evloev for a genuine title eliminator.