EXCLUSIVE: Patrício Pitbull details his preparation for Aaron Pico at UFC 327

Former champion in two different weight classes in Bellator, the trajectory of Patrick Pitbull His career in the world's largest MMA organization has been a rollercoaster. After a tough loss in his debut against Yair RodriguezThe player from Rio Grande do Norte recovered by defeating the veteran. Dan Ige In his last performance, he will now face a familiar opponent in the final preliminary fight of UFC 327: Aaron Pico, in the featherweight category (up to 65,7 kg). The American was the main prospect of Scott Coker's former company for many years, but never managed to fight for the belt against the Brazilian. Now, the two will have the opportunity to measure their strength in one of the main events of the year.

See too

Male escort? Carlos Ulberg clarifies rumors about his occupation before the UFC.

She opened her heart! Emotionally, Ilia Topuria reveals a lesson learned from her divorce; find out more.

Charles Oliveira gives the green light to face Nate Diaz in the UFC, but presents a condition.

But before that, SUPER LUTAS had the opportunity to talk to Patrick Pitbull Exclusively, and to understand a little about the athlete's preparation for another big fight.

Former rival

Pitbull proudly displays his Bellator belts. Photo: Reproduction/X/patriciopitbull

While Pico was treated as a Bellator prospect since his debut in the event, Patrício's results inside the circular cage have undoubtedly made him the biggest name in the organization's history. Despite this, a fight between the two was speculated at the time, but the American's results ultimately didn't fulfill Scott Coker's wishes.

“Aaron Pico is an opponent I’ve known for a long time, since his debut. He’s a long-time acquaintance from his Bellator days. We came close to fighting a few times, but when he was about to challenge for the title, he would get knocked out or something would happen. Bellator doesn’t exist anymore, but we’ve moved to the UFC and it’s a great platform for this fight to happen,” he stated.

Glass chin?

Aaron Pico debuted with a loss at UFC 319. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

Known for thoroughly studying his opponents, Pitbull believes he will face an opponent with a slightly different strategy than usual, at least in the first few minutes of the fight. In this context, he and his team have mapped out a specific fight plan to exploit one of the American's main weaknesses: his ability to absorb punches.

“Pico has had this characteristic since his first fights, this fragility. It's something that's just part of him. He started suffering from this type of concussion early on, if I'm not mistaken, since his third or fourth fight. So we noticed this weakness, as it repeated itself several times. If I'm not mistaken, he's already suffered four knockouts, and they're all the same way. He takes the hit and falls asleep, and stays unconscious for several minutes. Every time he loses like that, he comes back more of a grappler and more patient. It's something we've prepared for, in case he doesn't seek the fight, I'll take the initiative. But I hope that even if he's cautious, when the fight starts to heat up, he'll return to his normal self,” he said.

In his Ultimate debut against Lerone murphy Last August, Pico was brutally knocked out with a spinning elbow strike in the first round.

MY GOD! Lerone murphy He didn't want to be left behind: he knocked out Aaron Pico with an absurd elbow strike!!!

Two knockouts in a row, both by elbow strike.
This is a whole other level of the game. If there's a "Golden Elbow" award, you can hand it out today!!! #UFC319

pic.twitter.com/2AnYq8bQXV

— Igor Ribeiro (@igorribeiromma) August 17, 2025

Patrício Pitbull against the promises

Patrick Pitbull is the biggest name in Bellator history. Photo: Bellator.

Despite being aware of the great renewal experienced in the featherweight category (up to 65,7kg) with the rise of names like José Delano and Melk CostaPatrício's focus remains on being recognized as the best fighter in the world. At 38 years old and ranked 13th in his division, the fighter from Rio Grande do Norte is determined to continue his climb towards the Ultimate belt, even if it means defeating some up-and-coming fighters.

“Delano is a very tough guy, Melk is also doing very well, even ranked above me. I think every good Brazilian deserves to be in the organization, and it's great that there are several opponents for the veteran here. We're going to hunt down these highly ranked guys and put me in contention as quickly as possible. I don't care if they're young or old, the ranking is a parameter for those who are close to competing for the title. For me, it's about beating whoever is above me, taking their place, and competing for the title,” he stated.