Yair Rodriguez derrotou Patrick Pitbull No. UFC 314. Photo: Twitter / UFC News
One of the biggest dreams of Brazilian MMA fans has come true, although not in the way everyone imagined. Patrick Pitbull, historic Bellator champion, finally made his long-awaited UFC debut. His opponent this time was the Mexican Yair Rodriguez, who, with greater reach, abused the kicks and managed to beat the Brazilian in the judges' decision.
At 38 years old, Patrício suffered the eighth defeat of his career, while Yair Rodriguez, who had suffered two consecutive defeats, returned to winning ways in the UFC.
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In the first round, the athletes studied each other closely. Patrício, with the shorter reach, tried to find the ideal distance to land his best blows, while Rodriguez, who was taller, relied on kicks and even managed to land a strong shin kick on the Brazilian's face. However, in the final stretch, when the Mexican tried to kick again, Pitbull grabbed his leg and took him down.
In the second half, the duel remained balanced, with a lot of study on both sides, since any mistake could be fatal. Little by little, the Brazilian began to dominate the center of the octagon, using his boxing to close the distance between himself and the Mexican. Even so, Rodriguez managed to land some strong kicks in Patrício's guard.
Knowing he was behind on the scoreboard, Pitbull returned for the third round more aggressively. However, his 12-centimeter shorter reach got in the way, and during one of the Brazilian's advances, the Mexican connected with a strong cross that stunned Patrício. With the Brazilian still dazed, 'Pantera' punished him with ground and pound strikes and, in the final seconds, even tried a heel hook.
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