Bellator employee since the organization's first moments of glory, Patricio pitbull lives distressing days in his professional life after learning that the company is being negotiated for sale. In an exclusive interview with SUPER FIGHTS, the event champion explained what he knows about the situation and dismissed rumors of a possible purchase by the UFC.
“Everything I know is through the media. I can guarantee that the PFL is not in the fight for Bellator. Bellator's vice president has already posted on his social media that it is fake news. I also don't know if the PFL would have the purchasing power to do this. I suspect the UFC isn't involved either. They are already facing legal action in the United States for monopoly and this is a serious crime,” said Patricio.
See too
Without guarantees of the ban that the UFC would supposedly have on the purchase of Bellator, the fighter reflected on what the scenario would be like in an eventual agreement between Ultimate and the organization that has reigned for many years.
“What happened with Strikeforce, WEC would happen: the champions and big names in the category would be encompassed by the brand and there would probably be title unification. It would be interesting for fans in this part, but I don't believe the buyer will end up with the 'Bellator' brand. I think they will continue with this niche”, imagined Pitbull.
P. Pitbull is the Bellator featherweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Present at the call for clashes between organizations, Patricio spoke positively about the chance of being able to face UFC fighters.
“For me it would be (interesting), if I had to face the champion straight away, we would have this fight with Volkanovski or the 61kg champion, if I'm champion in the next fight. It would be great”, claimed the fighter.
When asked about the consequences that a possible sale of Bellator would bring to the MMA market, Pitbull didn't mince words and highlighted the possible reality after the act.
“The only one who wins is the organization that is buying everything. It's bad for the fans, for the athletes. Organizations lose power and are unable to compete with each other, so it stops being interesting. But it has positive and negative aspects for fans and for those who hold the belt or privileged position in certain organizations. In general, I don’t see it with positive eyes”, concluded the champion.
Present in Bellator since 2010, Patricio has accumulated several victories within the organization. Current featherweight champion (up to 65,7kg) and former lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg), the fighter was scheduled to face Sergio Pettis on June 16th. If he wins, the Brazilian will be the company's first athlete to reign in three different divisions.
You need login To comment.