Patricio 'Pitbull' leaks hostile DM back-and-forth with Yair Rodríguez as bad blood boils ahead of UFC debut
Yesterday at 06:42 PM
Former Bellator two-division champion Patricio Pitbull is fired up ahead of his UFC 314 promotional debut.
Patricio Pitbull will enter the UFC Octagon for the first time in April after a long, decorated tenure in Bellator. Ahead of UFC 314, Pitbull and upcoming opponent Yair Rodriguez are promoting their fight with great results.
Pitbull signed with the UFC earlier this year after a long waiting period for the PFL to grant his request for a release. During the prime of his career, Pitbull was considered by some to be the best featherweight in the world, regardless of promotional platforms.
As evidenced by his Bellator career, Pitbull isn’t afraid to poke fun at his opponents and get under their skin. Rodriguez, who is usually tranquil and calm, is no exception.
Pitbull and Rodriguez traded heated barbs in a recent Instagram direct-messaging back-and-forth, as Pitbull leaked during a recent interview.
Patricio ‘Pitbull’ shares angry messages with Yair Rodriguez before UFC 314 booking
During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Pitbull leaked recent DMs with Rodriguez in a conversation that quickly turned ugly.
“I heard you’re having second thoughts about fighting me on March 29th [UFC Mexico City],” Pitbull messaged Rodriguez. “I hope that’s not true. Show me that Mexican pride, tell the UFC it’s on.”
It didn’t take long for Rodriguez to respond.
“I’ll love to welcome you to the UFC. Let’s make it happen,” Rodriguez replied.
“I knew you were a warrior. See you soon,” Pitbull answered.
Two days later, Pitbull messaged Rodriguez again and this time, things weren’t cordial.
“I was told the UFC has yet to receive your answer. Are we gonna fight or not?” Pitbull asked Rodriguez.
“Why are you so desperate? [LAUGHS] UFC has my answer,” Rodriguez responded.
“Not desperate, I don’t play games. It’s either yes or no, and I always say yes, no bull—-,” Pitbull said.
After Rodriguez replied with a sleeping emoji, Pitbull got the last word in.
“Just got your answer. P—-,” Pitbull wrote as the conversation came to a close.
Patricio ‘Pitbull’ is taunting top featherweights for ‘running’ from him for his debut
Rodriguez isn’t the only adversary Pitbull has made in recent days. Pitbull accused former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling of ducking multiple attempted fight bookings, including allegedly for the UFC 314 card.
Before making his way to the UFC, Pitbull defeated many top names in Bellator, including current UFC fan favorite Michael Chandler. Pitbull is hoping to replicate Chandler’s success in the Octagon and eventually, earn himself a UFC featherweight title shot.
Pitbull is the latest in a slew of former Bellator standouts to leave for the UFC. Bellator featherweight star Aaron Pico is reportedly atop the UFC’s list of desired free agent signees, although as of this writing, he hasn’t been granted his release.
