UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping raised questions about Patrício Pitbull 's physical capacity on the eve of the Brazilian's debut in the world's biggest MMA event. In an analysis published on his YouTube channel, the former middleweight champion highlighted the advanced age and accumulated wear and tear of the 37-year-old from Rio Grande do Norte, who faces Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314 , this Saturday (12), in Miami (USA).
“Can a guy who’s already old do the job? Patrício Pitbull is 37 years old and comes from Bellator, where I think he was champion four times. His biggest victory was probably when he knocked out 'Iron' Michael Chandler in the first round with a brutal right hand. There’s a lot of wear and tear, a lot of miles on the clock, and that’s not surprising when you look at all that experience,” Bisping stated.
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The question, asked by Bisping in a rhetorical tone, summed up the British fighter's concern about Patrício's condition. The commentator acknowledged the athlete's legacy at Bellator — where he became champion in two categories and accumulated 43 professional fights — which, according to him, highlighted the signs of decline.
The fighter from Rio Grande do Norte, who boasts iconic victories such as the knockout of Michael Chandler in 2019, arrives at the UFC after 15 years in the defunct rival organization. His last fight was in March 2024, when he defended his belt by knocking out Jeremy Kennedy in the third round.
On the other side of the octagon, Yair Rodriguez seeks to regain his contender status. The Mexican, five years younger, faces a two-fight losing streak — to Brian Ortega and Volkanovski — and sees the duel as a chance to rehabilitate his career.
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