Despite the rivalry, Patrício Pitbull believes that Michael Chandler can be UFC champion: 'He has a lot of quality'

P. Pitbull believes that M. Chandler can become UFC champion. Reproduction/Instagram @bellatormma

It seems that the animosity between Patrick Pitbull e Michael chandler, two of the biggest names in Bellator history, became smaller, after the second was hired by the UFC. If before the pair used to tease each other, now the Brazilian surprised by highlighting the quality of his rival.

In an interview with the North American website MMA Junkie, Patrício revealed that he enjoyed seeing Chandler go to the UFC and not only praised him, but also believes that 'Iron' has enough quality to beat the best athletes from the rival organization and become its champion. Furthermore, the Brazilian believes that the crossover between companies is the only way to know which fighter is, in fact, the best in each category.

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“I'm happy for Chandler and he can beat everyone in the UFC. Chandler is a great fighter and has the tools to be successful there. The best way to find out who is the best in each category is to do a crossover between organizations. There's no way to guess, trying to guess or why a fighter is part of an organization. I’m ready to show that I’m the best and willing to prove it at any time,” said Patrício.

The Brazilian also highlighted the fact that Chandler arrived at the UFC as an immediate reserve in the fight for the lightweight belt (70,3kg), among Khabib Nurmagomedov e Justin gaethje as a victory, as they recognized the quality of Bellator athletes.

“This proves that Bellator fighters are also recognized. Chandler barely left and was already going to fight for the belt. This proves what we already knew, that Bellator fighters are as good or even better than UFC fighters. The important thing is not the organization but the fighter”, he concluded.

please note that Patrick Pitbull e Michael chandler they faced each other in 2019. On that occasion, the Brazilian knocked out the former lightweight number one just a minute into the fight and became Bellator's double champion, as he also held the featherweight belt (65,8kg).