UFC newcomer Patricio Pitbull shares a card with longtime rival Michael Chandler for the primary time since their Bellator conflict in 2019, and he’s excited for “historical past.”
Pitbull shocked Chandler in 61 seconds to change into two-division champion at Bellator 221, avenging his brother Patricky Pitbull in nice trend in Rosemont, Unwell., however noticed Chandler depart the group to hitch the UFC shortly after.
Patricio continued below contract with the promotion, profitable seven of his subsequent eight featherweight bouts in Bellator earlier than asking for his launch from PFL in early 2025. The Brazilian now faces Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314, simply moments earlier than Chandler takes on Paddy Pimblett within the co-main occasion of the April 12 present in Miami.
Talking with MMA Preventing after the signing, the previous Bellator star celebrates being welcomed to the UFC by a top-ranked featherweight—and forward of Chandler’s bout, no much less.
“I imply, it’s the primary time in historical past that father and son struggle on the identical day,” Pitbull laughed.
Pitbull stated he’s keen to struggle from bantamweight to welterweight if the worth is correct, leaving the door open for a possible light-weight rematch with Chandler down the road.
Chandler has received two of six to date within the UFC, shedding to Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier in his most up-to-date appearances.
“I’ll all the time have the need to beat him,” Pitbull stated of assembly Chandler throughout struggle week in Miami. “I’ll respect him, in fact. We’re athletes. I’ve respect. After the knockout, I went there to shake his hand and the whole lot. However my need to struggle him will proceed till we’re grampas [laughs].”
