Patrício Pitbull tries to maintain hegemony at featherweight and faces Emmanuel Sanchez at Bellator 255

P. Pitbull will attempt his fifth Bellator featherweight title defense. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

MMA day for Brazil. Company legend, Patrick Pitbull is close to another title defense, which takes place this Friday (2), at Bellator 255, in Uncasville (USA). Seeking to maintain his hegemony in the featherweight division (up to 65,7kg), the potiguar will promote a rematch against Emmanuel sanchez. The duel will also be valid for the division's Grand Prix semifinals.

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Group leader up to 65,7kg. since 2017, Pitbull will try to maintain his position for the fifth time. The Brazilian has not performed since November 2020, when he ran over Pedro Carvalho, kept the belt and advanced in the championship that will reward the winner with a sum of US$1 million (around R$5,7 million).

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In addition to Patrício, the Bellator 255 will bring the presentation of a Brazilian squad. In addition to the Potiguar, the event will be attended by Neiman Gracie, Ricardo Seixas, Fabio Aguiar and José Augusto 'Gugu'.

With 12 fights confirmed, the show will also mark the debut of Usman Nurmagomedov, cousin of the legendary Khabib. Betting on the future of the company, the lightweight (up to 70,3kg) will debut in the organization and will try to maintain an unbeaten record in his career.

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Pitbull x Sanchez: the rematch

At 33 years old, Patrício will face off against an old acquaintance this Friday. The Brazilian and Emmanuel faced each other once, in 2018, when the champion surpassed his rival on points and won his second title defense on that occasion.

Now, Pitbull must once again prove his superiority against the North American, who will enter the clash 'bitten'. To guarantee the chance to exchange forces with the Brazilian again, Sanchez needed three consecutive victories, the last being in November 2020, when he overcame Daniel weichel in the unanimous decision of the judges.

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The biggest name in Bellator history, Patrício will make his 36th commitment as a professional in MMA. Today, the fighter boasts a record of 31 wins and four losses. Pitbull's last negative result came in 2016, when he lost to Ben henderson.

In addition to the featherweight belt, the potiguar also holds the lightweight belt (up to 70,3kg). The throne was conquered in 2019, when the athlete ran over Michael chandler, and made history by becoming the company's first fighter to win simultaneous titles in different groups.

Brazil in the circular cage

This Friday, there will be no shortage of action for the Brazilian public tuned into Bellator. In addition to the title fight, the country will have four more representatives.

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In the co-main fight, Neiman Gracie will try to confirm the good phase and will look for its second positive result in a row against jason jackson. Representative of the welterweight division (up to 77kg), the athlete will need to stop his rival's good form, which has three consecutive victories.

Seeking to maintain 100% success in Bellator, Ricardo Seixas needs to complicate Mandel Nallo's life to advance in the lightweight division. With a victory for the company, the São Paulo native has to prevent the recovery of his opponent, who is coming off a defeat and a 'no result' duel.

Opening night for Fabio Aguiar. Making his first fight with Bellator gloves, the middleweight will try to look good and convince the fans in his debut. The Pernambuco native will face off against former UFC fighter Khalid Murtazaliev, who hasn't performed since 2018. While the Russian hasn't lost in three matches, the Brazilian has a streak of nine consecutive wins.

Like Fabio, this will be José Augusto 'Gugu's first appearance in the organization. Coming off four consecutive victories, the Bahian will test himself against former UFC fighter Jonathan Wilson in the light heavyweight division (up to 83kg). The clash will be one of the first of the night.

Promise debut

With a name of respect in the world of MMA, Usman Nurmagomedov will seek to make good on the bet made by Bellator on his talent. Cousin of the legendary Khabib, the athlete was hired at the end of 2020. Now, the Russian will be able to prove that he was worth the investment.

The combatant will have his first challenge when facing Mike Hamel. The duel between the athletes will take place in the lightweight division, the same division in which the UFC legend enchanted MMA fans.