Tomorrow night on the main card of UFC 314, we are going to see a massive matchup in the featherweight division. Former interim champion Yair Rodriguez (19-5) will welcome former Bellator two-division champion Patricio Pitbull (36-7) to the octagon.
Pitbull makes his highly anticipated octagon debut after putting together a resume as the most decorated fighter in the history of Bellator. The former champion vacated his featherweight title and signed with the UFC earlier this year after being granted his release from the PFL. While he’s just 1-2 in his last three fights, two of those didn’t come at 145 pounds. At 145, Pitbull is 11-1 in his last 12 fights.
Hoping to spoil his debut tomorrow is Yair Rodriguez. Rodriguez will be looking to snap a two-fight losing streak tomorrow night. In 2023, Rodriguez became the interim champion after stopping Josh Emmett in their fight. He lost the unification bout with Alexander Volkanovski and then he was submitted by Brian Ortega last February. He’s recharged and looking to make a statement at UFC 314.
UFC 314 Prediction
In looking at this fight, I’m predicting this like I usually predict any Yair Rodriguez fight. I think he has a clear path to victory in the first round with how powerful and dynamic he is on the feet. In terms of striking, this is going to be by far the toughest guy Pitbull’s has faced in a long time.
However, if Pitbull can survive the first round, I really like him to win his UFC debut. I think he’s so well-rounded and that’ll play in this matchup. If he gets inside, he has the power to keep Rodriguez honest. Pitbull also knows how to mix in the grappling as well as clinch effectively. I think he’s going to use a ton of forward pressure and that’s going to hinder Rodriguez.
By the end of the second round, I think you’re going to see a fatigued Yair Rodriguez and Pitbull will completely take over in the final round. Either Pitbull gets a third round finish or I think he does enough to win the final two rounds and get a decision at UFC 314.
Prediction: Patricio Pitbull by Decision