Patricio Pitbull: 5 Ideal Opponents For His Potential UFC Debut
www.forbes.com
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 13: Patricio Pitbull (Photo by Amy Kaplan/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesOn Tuesday, Donn Davis, the owner of the Professional Fighters League, made a statement. He granted Patricio Pitbull what appears to be his unconditional release.How Did Pitbull Wind Up Getting His Release From the PFL?On the same day the PFL issued a statement about their removal of the Bellator brand from its main rotation of events and title designations, Pitbull took to social media with his latest anti-PFL rant.Pitbull used the UFCs recent release of Holly Holm as an example of how an organization should treat a legend of the sport. Pitbull did what was best for him, and he got what he wanted. It was smart for him to put pressure on the PFL, and it was subsequently wise for the PFL to rid themselves of the negative element Pitbull had become.Pitbull is Expected to Sign With the UFCAs it stands, most expect Pitbull to land with the UFC. He has made it clear thats where he would like to be. Dana White was asked about the potential of Pitbull joining his organization, and he seemed open to the concept, though he didnt speak specifically about the Brazilian legend.MORE FOR YOUAt 37 years old, it seems unlikely Pitbull will go on a tear that would lead to him becoming a UFC world champion. However, he is as tough and respected as they come in mixed martial arts.Based on his reputation and aura, he could have some fun fights with the UFC over the next three years.5 Ideal Opponents for Pitbull in His UFC DebutMichael ChandlerNEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: Michael Chandler of the United States of America looks on during a ... [+] lightweight fight against Charles Oliveira of Brazil during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)Getty ImagesLike Pitbull, Chandler is a former Bellator champion and legend with the promotion. They never fought while both were with the organization, mostly because Pitbull is a featherweight and Chandler a lightweight.That said, is it out of the realm of possibility for Pitbull to fight at 155 pounds? If not, this fight would have a special vibe because of the Bellator history, and both men bring an all-action style.Jose AldoSALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 05: Jose Aldo of Brazil is seen in his locker room prior to his fight ... [+] during the UFC 307 event at Delta Center on October 05, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCBoth Aldo and Pitbull are Brazilian legends. At one point, this was a dream fight we thought wed never see because Aldo was a UFC champion and Pitbull a champ in Bellator.Aldo would have to come back up to featherweight, but that wouldnt seem like a major issue for him. If Pitbull lands with the UFC, this fight seems like a no-brainer.Max HollowayABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 25: Max Holloway poses on the scale during the UFC 308 ... [+] ceremonial weigh-in at Etihad Arena on October 25, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCHolloways next fight will be his debut as a full-time lightweight. Again, Pitbull would have to come up in weight, but in this instance, hed be doing it against a fellow legend who has spent the majority of his career at 145 pounds.Pitbulls team has suggested he would covet the BMF title. How good of a BMF Title fight would this be?Alexander VolkanovskiSYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 17: Alex Volkanovski poses during a UFC media opportunity at Hickson ... [+] Road Reserve, on October 17, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCPitbull has already called Volkanovski out.Volk has a championship on his mind, and it feels like he is in line to get another crack at Ilia Topuria when he returns. However, if Volk doesnt get the rematch with Topuria, he might be the perfect guy to welcome Pitbull to the UFC.Cub SwansonTAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 14: Cub Swanson reacts after a knockout victory against Billy Quarantillo ... [+] in a featherweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Amalie Arena on December 14, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCSwanson flirted with retirement after his highlight-reel KO of Billy Quarantillo in December 2024, but he seemed open to another fight if it was against an intriguing opponent.Pitbull would seemingly qualify. If Pitbull comes in and handles Swanson impressively, it might be enough to land a spot in the featherweight rankings. If he loses to Swanson, itll tell the UFC something about where he is at this stage of his career. In any case, this fight could be epic.Bonus - Josh EmmettPHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 30: Josh Emmett reacts after knocking out Michael Johnson in their ... [+] featherweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Wells Fargo Center on March 30, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesI decided to add Emmett as the last and perhaps most practical option. Emmett is looking to make a statement so he can restart his ascent up the featherweight rankings, and Im sure Pitbull would like to start his UFC career off as a ranked fighter.A win would put Pitbull a win or two away from a title shot, and thats got to be an attractive concept for him.
0 Comments ·0 Shares ·88 Views