Patricio Pitbull, who, like Jose Aldo, reigned as a featherweight champion for many years in Bellator, is now interested in a fight with Aldo. This possibility arises as they are both now competing under the UFC banner.
Pitbull is set to make his UFC debut against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314. This fight comes after a successful Bellator career of 24 wins and 6 losses. A victory on April 12 could potentially position him for a title shot. Meanwhile, Aldo is currently competing in the bantamweight division and is scheduled to face Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315 on May 10.
“I don’t particularly desire to fight Aldo, but considering the circumstances and if the UFC offers the fight, I would gladly accept it,” Pitbull stated in an interview with MMA Fighting. “If this fight doesn`t happen, it might leave fans feeling like they missed out on seeing these long-reigning featherweight champions clash.”
Pitbull, a former two-division champion in Bellator, believes that defeating Aldo wouldn`t definitively crown him the greatest featherweight of all time. However, it would resolve a long-standing question that has been frequently discussed. Pitbull feels there is often a bias towards UFC fighters in these comparisons, but emphasizes that his legacy is already secure.
“For Aldo and many within the UFC community, he is undoubtedly considered the greatest featherweight ever,” Pitbull commented. “However, some knowledgeable fight observers believe Patricio is also in the conversation for the greatest. The best way to resolve this debate would be through a fight. While it wouldn`t definitively determine who is superior historically, it would provide an answer in the moment, showing who would prevail in a direct confrontation and leave a significant mark. Again, I don`t actively seek a fight with Aldo, but it would undoubtedly be a compelling matchup.”
Pitbull has held titles in Bellator at both featherweight and lightweight. He also secured a victory against RIZIN featherweight champion Kleber Koike in a non-title fight in Japan. He previously attempted to make history by dropping to bantamweight to challenge Sergio Pettis in Bellator, though he lost by decision. He is open to changing weight classes again in the UFC in the future.
“Depending on the nature of the challenge, we are willing to move weight classes,” Pitbull explained. “We would consider fights from 135 to 170 pounds, depending on the opponent. Even at 170, it depends on the fighter`s background. If it`s a younger, less established fighter, perhaps not. But if it`s someone with a similar history to mine and around my age, we would definitely consider it.”
