The UFC is home to perhaps the best MMA juggernauts in the world. And why not? When Dana White started in 2001 with the Fertittas, he was sure of ‘world domination’. Year by year, the promotion has absorbed major players in the market including PRIDE FC, Strikeforce, and the WEC. And with that acquisition came a parade of world-class fighters. Daniel Cormier, Luke Rockhold, Carlos Condit, Nick Diaz! The list is endless. Interestingly, fighters who have been champions outside the UFC have gone on to dominate inside the Octagon as well. And in 2025, this theme will once again look to unravel itself. Enter Patricio Freire freshly acquired from Bellator!
‘Pitbull’ has already cemented his legacy as a champion in Bellator, but now he’s ready to conquer a new frontier: the UFC. The former two-division titleholder is set to make his highly anticipated Octagon debut at UFC 314 on April 12th in Miami, where he’ll face former interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez. At 37 years old, Freire sees this new chapter as an opportunity to rebuild his name from the ground up.
Determined to make a statement, he has no intention of easing into the UFC—he’s aiming to make an impact right away. Speaking with MMA Fighting’s José Youngs, the Bellator legend boldly declared that he plans to “smash” his opponent, and he recently reiterated this mindset during an interview with MMA reporter Megan Olivi.
As per Home of Fight, “Fight against Yair Rodriguez put me in a great place in this division. So, if my performance will be good, I believe I am fighting for the title.” When asked about the former interim champ’s unique style, he further expressed his mindset going into the fight. “He [Rodriguez] is good, he is very dynamic, but I am better. I put pressure on him, put him down, and smash him; that is what is gonna happen.
‘Pitbull’ then weighed in on the chance to fight in Miami. “I know that this is big and that there will be a lot of media, and there will be many attractions, and it’s good to publicize our name. I see this with good eyes, but I will be very focused on my fight and concerned about the victory.”
For the unversed, Freire became the face of Bellator during his time with the promotion, boasting multiple title reigns at 145 pounds. With a remarkable 36-7 record, he brings a wealth of experience and credibility into his UFC journey—credentials that make a strong case for a fast track to a title shot. Despite no official promises from the UFC, Pitbull senses that the organization has big plans for him.
Speaking via a Portuguese translator during media day, he said, “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 potentially be a contender in the featherweight division.” A victory over #5 ranked Rodriguez would immediately propel Pitbull into the title conversation, positioning him as a top contender.
This spells potential trouble for Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes who are set to compete for the soon-to-be-vacant 145lbs at UFC 314. Interestingly, Pitbull has also expressed his openness to moving up a weight class if a fight with former rival Michael Chandler materializes down the line.
Patricio Pitbull opens up about plans to fight Michael Chandler in the future
Freire and Chandler share a storied history from their time in Bellator. Chandler famously defeated Pitbull’s brother, Patricky Pitbull in 2016 for the vacant strap but the Brazilian avenged his family’s honor by dethroning Chandler and claiming the lightweight belt at Bellator 221. The thought of facing ‘Iron’ again hasn’t faded from Pitbull’s mind.
Speaking to MMA Junkie, Pitbull admitted, “I’ll always have the desire to beat him. I’ll respect him, of course. We’re athletes. I have respect. After the knockout, I went there to shake his hand and everything. But my desire to fight him will continue until we’re grampas.”
For now, however, Pitbull’s focus remains firmly on the featherweight division, where he aims to capture the title and solidify his legacy. Still, he hasn’t ruled out moving up in weight to face Chandler again if the opportunity arises. He added, “Nothing is keeping me from moving up and fighting anyone. If it’s him (Chandler), even better. Every chance I have to beat him, I’ll take it.”
Pitbull’s determination and competitive spirit are undeniable, but first, he must get past Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314. Can the former Bellator champion overcome ‘El Pantera’ and take a giant leap toward his UFC title aspirations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The post Alexander Volkanovski & Diego Lopes Put on Alert as New UFC Rival Plans to “Smash” His Way to a Title Shot appeared first on EssentiallySports.