Moments after Patrício's negative result in front of A. J. McKee No. Bellator 263, the former featherweight champion (up to 65,7kg) did not hide. In an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS YouTube channel, the 'Pitbull Brothers' spoke about the team's defeat last Saturday (31). For athletes, the moment requires rest to determine the future of the legend.
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Over the weekend, Patrício took to the circular cage to defend his featherweight title in a fight that was also worth winning the division's GP. The Brazilian, however, was unable to present much, as he ended up being surprised by his rival in less than two minutes.
Big Brother Analysis
Representative of the lightweight division (up to 70,3kg), Patricky was the first to speak to the team. The brother, who closely followed the former champion's setback, analyzed the confrontation and did not take credit away from AJ, who won by submission.
“It was McKee’s credit. The blows stuck and he was happy that night. Everything was calm, according to plan. (…) Nothing that was such a serious mistake”, said the older brother.
Patricio's mistakes
Faced with a longer opponent, Patrício was unable to close the distance to reach his opponent. Moments after the duel, Patricky admitted that the team had already reviewed the clash and narrated mistakes made by his brother.
“We have already spent more than half an hour watching videos and discussing strategy. Patrício went to the cage with a karate base, which wasn't right. I was supposed to keep my guard up a little higher. He was being cornered against the fence, another thing he couldn't accept. He (Patricio) dodged to the side of the shot. He thought AJ was going to throw a hand. He threw it with a feint, but he wanted to catch it with a kick,” he said.
Good head and time to rest
Bellator legend, Patrício arrived at the featherweight GP in 2019 and underwent intense preparations for 25-minute clashes (five rounds). McKee, in turn, held three-round duels until reaching the final. For Patricky, the former champion now needs to rest to define his next duel.
“He just wants some time to rest. Patrício was the only athlete in this GP who did all the training for five-round fights. For an athlete, we dedicate ourselves a lot. We are very focused on training. We don't like to rest, to be lazy. Patrício is very competitive. He needs this rest to come back calmer and more aware of everything,” he said.
'I would rather have deleted it'
After his older brother's speech, Patrício took over the interview and gave his version of the defeat. The fighter spoke about the referee's interruption and admitted that, under no circumstances, would he give up, even with the guillotine in place.
“The blow stuck, the guillotine was in place. I was groggy. I'm not sure, but for me, I was well positioned. I remember the referee (Mike Beltran) touched my arm. I don't know if I was leaving (the position). If there was any doubt, it was: he kicked me, almost knocked me out. He used a guillotine choke and almost submitted me. It was a 'technical submission', the referee interrupted. He's a professional and he sees that the scam can throw me off track. Before the world collapses, the referee interferes. We are fighters and always want to go to the end. I would have preferred to have slept,” said the former champion.
Brother challenges McKee
Upon learning that AJ is interested in moving up a division and trying to win the lightweight title (up to 70,3kg.), which also belongs to Patrício, the older brother sees the possibility with good eyes. Standing out in the category, Patricky did not hide his desire to 'avenge' the former featherweight leader in the new group.
“It seems like AJ said he wanted to move up a category. If he comes up, I will wait for him with the greatest pleasure, drooling to wait for him”, he said.
With the setback against McKee, Patrício ended his second featherweight reign, which began in 2017. The biggest name in Bellator history, the Brazilian had not lost since 2016.
Finished over the weekend, Pitbull still remains world champion in the lightweight category. The athlete made history in 2019, beating Michael chandler and become the first double champion in the company.
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