Five reasons to watch Bellator 277, with historic rematch for Patrício Pitbull and GP final

P. Pitbull (left) and A. McKee (right) have historic rematch at Bellator 277. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Time to dot the i's. This Friday (15), in San Jose (USA), Bellator brings fans the biggest fight in its history. In the event, Patrick Pitbull, company legend, tries to regain the featherweight belt (up to 65,7kg.) in a rematch against A. J. McKee, his tormentor in the 2021 season. In addition to the epic belt dispute, the show also features the final of the Grand Prix (GP) of the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg.), starring Vadim nemkov e Corey anderson.

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Considered the biggest name in Bellator history, Pitbull returns to sharing the circular cage with his 'executioner' last season. Finished in the first round in the first meeting, the Brazilian wants to prove that he is, in fact, superior to the company's revelation.

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Ward of Fedor Emelianenko, Vadim nemkov He went through two challenges and defended his light heavyweight belt twice, until reaching the final of the category tournament. On the other side, Corey anderson, a former UFC standout, also did well in the championship and qualified to compete in the last fight in the GP against the Russian. The athletes face each other for the throne and the dream check of US$1 million (about R$4,6 million).

A bet for the future of the organization, Aaron Pico faces newcomer Adli Edwards. The athletes measure strength with an eye on a future featherweight title fight.

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In addition to Patrício, Brazil will have two more representatives at the show. Former middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg.) in the company, Raphael Carvalho and Rhalan Gracie have commitments on the preliminary card.

To get in the mood, the team at SUPER FIGHTS selected five reasons to follow the Bellator 277. Check out:

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1) Pitbull x McKee – biggest fight in the company’s history

P. Pitbull (left) was defeated by A. McKee (right) in the Bellator 263. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

On one hand, a living legend of Bellator. Considered the biggest name in the company's history, holder of records for victories and belt defenses, Patrick Pitbull will climb into the octagon to defend his legacy in the company.

On the other, an undefeated jewel formed by the organization, who worked hard to reach the top.

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In the fateful Bellator 263, the story was written in a tragic way for Brazilian fans. Confident and provocative, McKee climbed into the cage and shocked some of the spectators by submitting Patrício in the first round.

The North American's great achievement put an end to the greatest reign in the featherweight division within the company. In addition to overcoming the native of Rio Grande do Norte and winning the group's belt, AJ took home his dream check of US$1 million, given to the winner of the tournament.

Less than a year passed and Pitbull received the desired immediate rematch. To focus solely on the former tormentor, the Bellator legend gave up his lightweight title (up to 70,3kg) and dedicated himself to training to offset the bitter defeat in 2021.

A dark horse in the bookmakers, Patrício could 'break the bank' and open the doors to a trilogy that could engage fans even more. McKee, in turn, wants to surpass the Brazilian again, expanding his legacy, and getting closer to his dream of competing for a second belt in the company.

2) Pitbull: the king of revenge

P. Pitbull has a good track record in rematches in MMA. Photo: Disclosure / Bellator

Even at disadvantages at the bookmakers, Patrício's track record works in his favor. Obstinate, the native of Rio Grande do Norte carries with him the nickname of never having lost a rematch in his professional MMA career.

The Brazilian Wilson reis it kicked off Pitbull's good record in rematches. The Potiguar got the better of his compatriot on two occasions: once in 2010 and the other in 2011.

In 2013, Patrício lost the opportunity to win the featherweight belt for the first time, when he was defeated by Pat Curran. In the following season, the Brazilian, against the same North American, fulfilled his dream, winning on points, and taking the throne.

Against Daniel Straus, the native of Rio Grande do Norte has an intimate history within competitions. In total, there were four meetings between the athletes. The Brazilian got the better of three, lost in one, which won the title, but recovered in the last challenge between the athletes.

Former highlight of the category, Daniel weichel he had two opportunities to surprise the Bellator legend (2015 and 2018). The German, however, had his dream frustrated by Patrício in both attempts.

Pitbull's last rematch, before facing McKee, was against Emmanuel Shanchez. The athletes measured forces in 2018 and 2021. Both times they shared the circular cage, the Brazilian came out with his arm raised.

Will AJ join Patrício's hit list? That's just the Bellator 277 will say.

3) Fedor's pupil against former UFC fighter

V. Nemkov (left) and C. Anderson (right) compete in the final of the light heavyweight tournament at Bellator 277. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Highlights in the show, Patrício and McKee will not 'carry' the event on their shoulders alone. The show also gives fans the long-awaited final of the light heavyweight Grand Prix.

Pupil of the legendary Fedor Emelianenko, Vadim nemkov tries his third belt defense, in addition to collecting the dream check of US$1 million given to the tournament's great champion.

In an attempt to 'spoil the party' for the Russian, Corey anderson he wants to continue making Bellator's investment worth it, which bet big by taking the North American out of the UFC. Since his debut, the athlete has run over three opponents. One of the victims was the former owner of the category belt and also an old acquaintance of Ultimate fans, Ryan bader.

If he wins, Nemkov will extend his reign and continue to be recognized as one of the best light heavyweights in the world today. The North American, in turn, could become another athlete who was successful in migrating from the UFC to the biggest competitor.

4) Aaron Pico: is the promise confirmed?

A. Pico is a bet for the future of Bellator: Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Known for his excellent wrestling, Aaron Pico is one of the main bets for the future of the organization. After a start to his MMA career with ups and downs, the young featherweight appears to have found his feet and boasts a streak of five wins.

Current number four in the division led by A. J. McKee, the fighter will be committed to 'welcoming' Adli Edwards, an athlete who has been charting a successful trajectory in the sport.

The fight will be fought at catchweight (up to 68kg) and will take place on the main card.

5) More Brazil

R. Carvalho (left) and R. Gracie (right) are highlights on the preliminary card of the Bellator 277. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

Besides Patrick Pitbull, two more Brazilians will take the green and yellow to the circular cage this Friday.

Former company middleweight champion, Raphael Carvalho to put an end to the bad moment in his career. Today, the athlete, who fights in the light heavyweight division, has accumulated five defeats in his last 10 appearances. The Brazilian will share the circular cage with Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov, who, in two clashes, failed to triumph with Bellator gloves.

Representative of the victorious 'Família Gracie', Rhalan will be the first Tupiniquim to fight in the show. Without triumphing in three appearances as a professional in MMA, the athlete wants the first positive result in his career. To meet expectations, the fighter needs to get past the undefeated (2-0) and newcomer Tyson Miller. The fight will be contested at welterweight.