Dana White says that former Bellator champion Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire has a large alternative forward of his after signing with the UFC.
Pitbull, the previous three-time Bellator featherweight champion and one-time light-weight champion, was confirmed as the newest addition to the UFC’s 145-pound fold in current days, with the Brazilian ending a longtime affiliation with Bellator (which is now operated by the PFL).
It was swiftly confirmed that Pitbull’s debut will come towards the previous UFC interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314 in Miami, Florida on April 12 — and after talking to the 43-fight veteran, White stated that he was enthusiastic about seeing what the Brazilian can do within the UFC ranks.
“A telephone name with him [convinced us to sign him],” White instructed the media, together with The Mac Life, following final weekend’s UFC occasion in Seattle, Washington.
“I believe that clearly he’s going to get the chance now to return in and problem himself towards the very best on the planet, and regardless of the place he’s at in his profession, beating Yair is an enormous deal. If he comes and he beats Yair, I don’t know, we’ll see how this factor performs out. However large alternative for him, and we’re excited to offer him it.”
Pitbull is arguably probably the most iconic fighter in Bellator historical past and holds wins over the likes of Michael Chandler, AJ McKee and Adam Borics. His final combat below the Bellator banner got here final April in Belfast, Northern Eire the place he defeated the Canadian (former UFC fighter) Jeremy Kennedy by third-round TKO.
