Patrício Pitbull denies contract termination with UFC and celebrates 'true debut'.

Pitbull focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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It seems that Patrício Pitbull 's story in the UFC has not come to an end. Last Saturday (19), in California (USA), the Brazilian ignored his underdog status and surprised everyone by delivering a beautiful knockout to the favorite Doo-ho Choi in the first round. As could not be otherwise, the former Bellator champion, after having his best fight in the company, could not contain his excitement when projecting his future in MMA.

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It's no secret that this was Pitbull's last fight under his UFC contract, which put him under pressure. It's worth noting that before his fight last Saturday, the Brazilian had lost two fights and won one, meaning he was underperforming in the octagon.

Based on his track record, the veteran knew he needed to make an impact in action to, hopefully, have his contract renewed by the UFC. And the mission was accomplished. Therefore, a relieved Pitbull celebrated finally making his octagon debut, and has no doubt that he will remain with the company.

“Everyone thinks my contract ends with this fight, but it doesn’t. It will end, but it won’t really end. I wasn’t happy with any of my performances. I believe only a small percentage of who I really am was in the octagon,” the fighter said at the post- UFC 331 press conference.

“Inside the octagon, I feel like this was my debut. Something happened in my head, I felt a kind of panic, but now I feel comfortable. It was great to win again,” he concluded.

Watch Patrício Pitbull's knockout at UFC 331.

Clean right hand 💥

What a win for Patricio Pitbull!

📺 #UFC331 on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/cIaBPjCwlL

— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) September 20, 2026

Pitbull's history in MMA

Patrício Pitbull , 39, is one of the best MMA fighters Brazil has ever produced. He began his career in the sport in 2004, excelled in Bellator, and became the greatest athlete in the organization's history. There, the veteran was champion in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions (up to 70,3 kg).

In MMA, the Brazilian built a record of 38 wins and nine losses. His main victories were over AJ McKee , Dan Ige , Doo-ho Choi, and Michael Chandler.

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