The return from the UFC to Miami on 12 April was a huge night before the featherweight division with a number of very important matchups.
At the very top of the map, Alexander Volkanovski Diego Lopes defeated in the main event to start his second reign as the 145 pound champion after he had demanded the vacant belt.
Two dangerous strikers collided earlier in the night when Patricio Pitbull made his long -awaited UFC debut in an attempt to shake up the division.
Although several other Brazilian stars such as Jean Silva produced highlights on Saturday evening, the same could not be said for the former Bellator star.
Pitbull was convincingly beaten by Yair Rodriguez who returned to his best with his first victory in two years after back-to-back defeats.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Patricio Pitbull reflects on decisive loss in his Octagon debut on UFC 314
Patricio Pitbull will always be known as one of the most successful hunters who made his name outside the UFC after what he could achieve in Bellator.
Even with that in mind, however, many expected that Yair Rodriguez would be an incredibly difficult matchup for him based on their styles.
This turned out to be the case with 'El Pantera' successfully his height benefit and feared the kicking game to keep his opponent at a distance during the 15 -minute period.
Rodriguez closed his dominant show by dropping Pitbull in the third round before he got his hand through a unanimous decision with scores of 30-27 across the board.
At the age of 37, time is not on the Pitbull side that is determined to lift UFC Gold before he completes his incredible career.
He weighed his thoughts through a post on social media as soon as the dust started to establish on a big night in the Kaseya Center.
“Congratulations to @panteraufc, we will see each other again. I am injured at any time and ready to go @UFC at any time. Thanks to all fans, I will make you all proud, you can count on. #UFC314″
Congratulations to @panteraufc, we will see each other again. I am injured at any time and ready to go @UFC. Thank you to all fans, I will make you all proud, you can count on that. #UFC314
– Patricio Pitbull (@patriciopitbull) April 13, 2025
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Patricio Pitbull has to fight against another legend before hiring a top candidate
It was logical that Patricio Pitbull went directly to the top of the featherweight division, given his earlier success and his age, but he bit more than he could chew on this occasion.
The name of Pitbull can be used to try to test one of the newer contenders on 145 pounds, but this can end the excitement around him in an instant if he doesn't get the victory.
The former face of Bellator may have only a few fights left, so the UFC has to choose to set up the most entertaining matchup instead of having him respond to an increasing talent.
They are currently a part of one weight class, but Pitbull opposite Jose Aldo or adds another chapter to his rivalry with Michael Chandler would now be much more exciting after he had had a tough night in the office.
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