Outside Source
UFC newcomer Patricio Pitbull shares a card with longtime rival Michael Chandler for the first time since their Bellator clash in 2019, and he’s excited for “history.”
Pitbull stunned Chandler in 61 seconds to become two-division champion at Bellator 221, avenging his brother Patricky Pitbull in great fashion in Rosemont, Ill., but saw Chandler leave the organization to join the UFC shortly after.
Patricio continued under contract with the promotion, winning seven of his next eight featherweight bouts in Bellator before asking for his release from PFL in early 2025. The Brazilian now faces Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314, just moments before Chandler takes on Paddy Pimblett in the co-main event of the April 12 show in Miami.
Speaking with MMA Fighting after the signing, the former Bellator star celebrates being welcomed to the UFC by a top-ranked featherweight—and ahead of Chandler’s bout, no less.
“I mean, it’s the first time in history that father and son fight on the same day,” Pitbull laughed.
Pitbull said he’s willing to fight from bantamweight to welterweight if the price is right, leaving the door open for a potential lightweight rematch with Chandler down the line.
Chandler has won two of six so far in the UFC, losing to Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier in his most recent appearances.
“I’ll always have the desire to beat him,” Pitbull said of meeting Chandler during fight week in Miami. “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 [laughs].”
This article first appeared at MMA Fighting – All Posts
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