Yair Rodriguez is set to take on promotional newcomer Patricio “Pitbull” Freire for his inaugural bout at UFC 314. This would be the second UFC bout in recent months where the trend of a newcomer getting a high-profile fighter would repeat. The last one was Kai Asakura getting a debut title bout against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 310. Now, there are rumors Aaron Pico debuting against #4 ranked featherweight Movsar Evloev at a Fight Night in May. So, all eyes will be on Rodriguez vs. Pitbull this weekend, because the featherweight landscape is going through seismic shifts.
The Brazilian has built a robust reputation in the MMA scene, particularly through his fights at Bellator and Rizin. Rodriguez himself being an experienced veteran will be eager to showcase his flair against a new and also strong challenger. This UFC 314 matchup is also particularly very intriguing because Rodriguez is currently on a two-fight losing streak. On the verge of grabbing the title, he suffered back-to-back losses to Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega. While these losses aren’t from up-and-coming contenders, they are still losses, and they would obviously sting. On the other hand, Patricio ‘Pitbull’ has secured one win after enduring two consecutive losses. Both fighters need a win to ascend to the next level, so let’s examine who has the statistical upper hand.
UFC 314: Yair Rodriguez vs. Patricio Pitbull stats
Yair Rodriguez (19-5-0) is one of those rare fighters whose striking can be likened to an art exhibition. With 08 knockout wins, it’s clear that he is not only skilled but also powerful. The Mexican boasts an above-average striking accuracy of 46%. He lands 4.65 strikes per minute and absorbs 3.99 strikes. Rodriguez mostly targets the head with 55%, followed by legs with 25%, and then the body with 19%.
‘El Pantera,’ can secure submissions at any moment, as reflected by his five submission victories. However, despite a good number of submission wins, his takedown accuracy stands at just 27%, indicating that he often relies on cheeky submission attempts rather than traditional grappling techniques. Also, the 58% takedown defense shows he doesn’t like grappling very much.
Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire (36-07-0) is a bonafide veteran with 43 fights under his belt. The experience is too astronomical and he’ll look forward to using that against his opponent. ‘Pitbull’ is a well-crafted juggernaut with firepower in his hands. All of his wins are evenly matched with 12 knockouts, 12 submissions, and 12 decisions which shows his expertise in every field. The Brazilian has a 42% striking accuracy, which is pretty good, but trails behind Rodriguez. He lands 2.84 strikes per minute and absorbs 4.43 strikes. This strike landing to absorb discrepancy can prove to be detrimental for him.
Patricio ‘Pitbull’s ground game is nothing but a story of paradox. He has an atrocious takedown accuracy of just 18%, indicating that he doesn’t like to use his grappling very much. However, his impressive 12 submission victories show us that he can get his way around pulling off different chokes. He even has a staggering 94% takedown defense which completely overshadows his opponent’s takedown defense.
Rodriguez vs. Pitbull breakdown and prediction
Good with the stats? Because this fight can shape up to be a clash where the fighters’ unique styles and strategies are destined to define the outcomes. Yair Rodriguez and Patricio Freire are top dogs in MMA and it will be a fascinating breakdown of how they might capitalize on each other’s strengths and weaknesses at UFC 314. So, let’s explore each fighter’s ways to victory and provide a prediction.
Yair Rodriguez is nothing but a sorcerer of striking. He uses his kicks like a magic wand brightly boasting his taekwondo background. ‘El Pantera’s impressive array of kicks aren’t just fast, they are also incredibly accurate, and what’s also commendable is how he uses the kicks to complement his boxing. For instance, there are only a few fighters in the UFC, who can pull off switch plus right-hand combo with such finesse.
Patricio ‘Pitbull’ is also a decorated striker famous for his impressive force. He tends to keep his guard up and deliver powerful hooks. His stance is somewhat similar to Michael Chandler or Josh Emmett, as he places a considerable weight on his front leg generating significant power with each strike. The Brazilian is not much of a kicker, but his leg kicks are punishing.
For ‘El Pantera’ the key to winning is to keep this fight standing as much as possible. He has the most crafty striking in the featherweight division, so it’s crucial for him to utilize it against his opponent. Patricio maintains an upright stance most of the time, but sometimes he can stay low with a wide stance, so it can create openings for body kicks, teep kicks, body shots, and one-two combinations as well. Also, he can look for counter-striking opportunities such as the counter hooks. Sergio Pettis and Chihiro Suzuki used these techniques well in their fight against ‘Pitbull’.
Yair is 5’11” while his opponent is 5’6″. This five-inch difference is reflected in their reach too. The Mexican has an advantage at 71 in. against 65.5 in. of Patricio. ‘Pitbull’ will have to close distance and engage Yair Rodriguez in exchanges. This approach might be a bit risky, but it should be preferable way rather than remaining a stationary target for a sniper like the Mexican and trying to counterpunch. ‘Pitbull’ possesses power, so utilizing straight right hands from a close distance to maximize damage can be a good way to win this fight. Ideally, ‘Pitbull’ should also look forward to setting up level-change with double-leg takedowns, which would definitely enhance his chances of acing this fight. He should use the blueprint Alexander Volkanovski left bare at UFC 290.
When it comes to predicting the outcome of this highly anticipated fight, Yair Rodriguez certainly appears to be the more dangerous and well-suited fighter to win this fight. However, it promises to be an exciting match worth watching with a bucket of popcorn. What are your thoughts? Who do you think will win this amazing fight at UFC 314?
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