Yair Rodriguez didn’t need much convincing to sign on to welcome Patricio Pitbull to the octagon, but that didn’t stop Pitbull from prodding him anyway.
The featherweight veterans are set to face off at UFC 314 on April 12 in Miami, with Rodriguez aiming to stop a two-fight skid at the expense of Pitbull, the longtime Bellator star making his UFC debut. Both fighters appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show on Tuesday, with Pitbull boasting that he sent a direct message to Rodriguez daring him to “show me that Mexican pride.”
When asked about Pitbull’s approach, Rodriguez didn’t sound offended but prided himself on not taking the bait.
“I think the guy was just really excited about fighting in the UFC,” Rodriguez said. “I think probably the only way he was going to make that happen is if I accept the fight. Whenever he DM’d me, I said, ‘Yeah man, sure, let’s do it.’ He was just trying to get me to react, but I’m over that f*cking shit.
“That, for me, is like a mad girlfriend move. I just don’t fall for that shit.”
When Pitbull finally makes the walk to the octagon, it will cap off a saga that saw him publicly request his release from PFL—Pitbull competed for Bellator, which was acquired by PFL in November 2023—have it granted, and eventually have his UFC signing and the Rodriguez matchup announced at the same time.
Pitbull was a three-time Bellator featherweight champion and held the promotion’s lightweight title as well, so there is plenty of demand for him to share the cage with the UFC’s top stars. Headlining the April 12 event is a fight between former UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes for a vacant featherweight title, which could mean either Rodriguez or Pitbull getting the call as a replacement should one of the main event competitors be unable to compete.
In that situation, Rodriguez is certain he has priority over Pitbull.
“I think there is no question about that, I would get the call,” Rodriguez said. “Patricio’s just getting signed to the UFC, I don’t think there’s even a conversation about it.”
Rodriguez, a former interim featherweight champion, isn’t even thinking about stepping up to the main event. His focus is fully on Pitbull, a newcomer with a lifetime of pre-UFC experience under his belt.
“I think all these guys fighting in the big leagues, they have the talent to be fighting and competing at the maximum level,” Rodriguez said. “Sometimes it’s just contracts, sometimes it’s opportunities, sometimes it’s many things, but I think all of these guys are really dangerous and talented and they probably just need an opportunity to prove it.”
TOP STORIES
Unlucky. Dan Hooker discusses the injury that forced him out of a highly anticipated fight with Justin Gaethje at UFC 313.
Replacement. Who do you want to see step up and fight Gaethje in Hooker’s place?
Fans. You, the readers, weigh in on which fighter might take on Gaethje.
Free. Matt Brown wants to see PFL do the right thing when it comes to Aaron Pico.
Egg. Chris Eubank Jr. hit Conor Benn with an egg during their faceoff. Explains itself.
VIDEO STEW
Eubank Jr. vs. Benn press conference.
Chef Volk cooks up some steaks.
Always learning.
Teddy Atlas breaks down The Last Crescendo.
Watch this Justin Gaethje fight, you’ll feel better.
UFC Vegas 103 prep.
FLAVOR IN YOUR EAR
Fighter vs. Writer. MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin talks to Matt Brown, who weighs in on the UFC Seattle main event controversy, Ilia Topuria’s featherweight exit, and the PFL’s handling of Aaron Pico.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
LOL.
you trying to get me hurt? https://t.co/lr8Mrynmjz
— Paul Felder (@felderpaul) February 25, 2025
Don’t tempt me with a good time.
Let’s do it @Jeansilvamma96 vs @Justin_Gaethje Yes or yes??
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) February 25, 2025
You gotta give the people what they want.
Jose Aldo makes his grand return to play gatekeeper against Jonathan Martinez, Mario Bautista, and Aeimann Zahabi. Exactly what we all had in mind.
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) February 25, 2025
Rematch?
That’s a little thing called promoting.
iighttt imma have to watch this now https://t.co/CfyZOTuZ95
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) February 25, 2025
39 years young.
This is always a trip.
#OnThisDay in 2001: The boss man, @DanaWhite, made his first appearance at UFC 30! pic.twitter.com/xw92Ztf684
— UFC (@ufc) February 25, 2025
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Jose Aldo (32-9) vs. Aiemann Zahabi (12-2); UFC 315, May 10
FINAL THOUGHTS
I’m so amped up for these upcoming UFC 314 and UFC 315 events (yes, UFC 315, back in Montreal!) that I almost forgot there’s an event this Saturday? And it’s got a great headliner, with Manel Kape taking on Asu Almabayev in what should be a No. 1 contender fight in the flyweight division.
Are you all looking forward to this or is it a rest weekend ahead of next Saturday’s pay-per-view?
EXIT POLL
If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @AlexanderKlee or @JedKMeshew on Twitter and let us know about it. Also, follow MMAFighting on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and like us on Facebook.
from MMA Fighting - All Posts https://ift.tt/MRqK9VJ
0 Comments
Dear valued readers,
I am writing to you today as LaPhezz, an international man of mystery with a passion for technology and a fascination for analytics. I have traveled the world and lived in many different places, and I have experienced a wide range of cultures and perspectives.
Despite my travels and encounters with countless people from all walks of life, I remain something of an enigma. My true identity is known to only a select few, and even those who know me well are often left guessing at my motivations and intentions.
As a tech enthusiast, I am always looking for new ways to leverage data and analytics to solve complex problems and make the world a better place. I believe that technology can be a powerful tool for positive change, and I am constantly exploring the latest trends and innovations in the field.
I am grateful to have such a diverse and engaged readership, and I am always eager to hear your feedback and insights. Whether you have questions about my work, suggestions for new topics to explore, or simply want to connect with a fellow tech enthusiast, I am always here to listen and engage.
Thank you for your continued support and interest in my work. Together, we can use technology and analytics to create a brighter, more connected world.
Best regards,
LaPhezz