At 38 years old, after a career defined by championship reigns and electrifying performances outside the sport`s most dominant promotion, Patricio “Pitbull” Freire has finally secured his first victory inside the UFC Octagon. This wasn`t merely a win; it was a statement. Following his unanimous decision over Dan Ige at UFC 318, the former two-division Bellator champion wasted no time in making his intentions clear, bypassing the immediate pursuit of a UFC title to instead call out a familiar rival, signalling that some feuds transcend even the most prestigious of organizational banners.
A Veteran`s Comeback and a Bold Challenge
Pitbull’s UFC journey began with a setback earlier this year at UFC 314, where he fell to former interim champion Yair Rodriguez. This debut loss necessitated a climb back into relevance within the stacked UFC featherweight division. His recent performance against the #11-ranked Dan Ige demonstrated the technical prowess and tactical acumen that earned him “Greatest of All Time” status in Bellator. The unanimous decision victory was a testament to his enduring skill, even as many pundits ponder the longevity of elite fighters in their late thirties.
Yet, the most compelling moment arrived not during the fight, but after it. Instead of eyeing the UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski, a dream fight Pitbull has openly discussed for years, his focus immediately shifted. The name on his lips was Aaron Pico. For those familiar with the landscape of mixed martial arts outside the UFC, this call-out resonated deeply.
“I just want Aaron Pico,” Pitbull declared at the post-fight press conference. “If he’s ready, I’m ready… He can make his debut in the UFC against me.”
The history between Freire and Pico traces back to their time in the PFL, where a highly anticipated featherweight title clash was rumored but never materialized. Pico, a standout wrestler and former Golden Gloves boxing champion, recently followed Pitbull into the UFC. With Pico`s scheduled opponent, Movsar Evloev, withdrawing due to injury, the stage is now set for a compelling narrative twist: an old rivalry, once thought lost to promotional politics, potentially finding its resolution on the sport’s biggest stage.
The Convergence of Rivalries: Pitbull, Pico, and McKee
The narrative of “unfinished business” extends beyond Pico. Patricio Pitbull also shares a significant history with former Bellator featherweight champion AJ McKee. Their two-fight series in Bellator ended in a 1-1 split, with McKee winning the first via submission and Pitbull reclaiming his title with a decision victory in the rematch. Their rivalry was a cornerstone of Bellator`s featherweight division for years.
In a curious turn of events, both Pitbull and McKee secured victories on the same day, albeit on different continents and under different promotional banners. McKee, now competing in the PFL, defeated Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protégé, Akhmed Magomedov, in Cape Town, South Africa. Hours later, Pitbull had his hand raised in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Commenting on McKee`s win, Pitbull delivered a characteristically blunt assessment, noting that McKee was effectively “kicked out” of the lightweight division after a loss last year. This casual dismissal, perhaps tinged with a veteran`s irony, highlights the enduring competitive spirit that defines these rivalries. It suggests that while the names on their contracts may change, the desire to prove superiority against their peers, regardless of their current fighting ground, remains resolute.
A New Chapter, Familiar Faces
Patricio Pitbull’s decision to pursue Aaron Pico, rather than a direct path to the UFC featherweight title, offers a fascinating glimpse into the motivations of elite combat sports athletes. For a fighter with a legacy as rich as Pitbull’s, proving dominance against a direct, storied rival from another promotion holds a unique appeal. It’s not just about titles; it’s about settling scores and asserting a broader claim to being the best in the world, irrespective of the specific championship belt. As more top talents from other organizations transition to the UFC, these “cross-promotional” dream matches are steadily becoming a reality, spearheaded by seasoned veterans like Pitbull, who seem intent on ensuring that every chapter of their illustrious careers is fully written, rivalries and all.
