Patricio Pitbull knows he can lay claim to something that has never been done before in the two major MMA promotions at Bellator 297 when he competes for the bantamweight belt. Pitbull challenges Sergio Pettis Friday night live on Showtime.
Bellator 297: Patricio Pitbull Chasing Ultimate GOAT Status
When you talk about the greatest of all-time in mixed martial arts, a number of key individuals come up. Patricio Pitbull, though, has the chance Friday night at Bellator 297 to do something no one else has ever done.
Pitbull, the reigning featherweight champion and former lightweight titleholder, challenges Sergio Pettis for the bantamweight belt in the co-main event.
The card takes place live on Showtime from the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Vadim Nemkov vs. Yoel Romero for Nemkov’s light heavyweight title serves as the main event.
“There are a lot of GOATs in this game, but no one has three titles,” Pitbull said. “That is the difference.”
Third Title Would Make All The Difference
Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, Joe Warren, Ryan Bader and Randy Couture are some of the athletes who have claimed titles in multiple weight classes in the UFC and Bellator.
Pitbull, though, can make it three titles in three divisions if he can solve Pettis, the brother of former UFC champion Anthony Pettis.
“I’ve been the champ for many years here at 145 pounds here in Bellator,” he said. “I went up to 155 pounds, knocked out Michael Chandler in won it, vacated the belt and my Patricky, my brother, won it.
“Bellator offered me the opportunity to win the 135-pound belt, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I couldn’t be happier.”
Legendary Resume For Pitbull
The 35-year-old already owns a number of Bellator records including most wins (22), most wins in title fights (12) and most fights (27). He has successfully defended his titles eight times overall, including three with the featherweight belt.
Since a 2021 loss to A.J. McKee, Pitbull has reeled off three consecutive wins, including gaining a matter of redemption vs. McKee in 2022.
Overall, he is 35-5, including 10-1 since a 2016 loss to Benson Henderson.
“I don’t like to be comfortable,” he said. “I always like to move forward, to embrace challenges. I don’t think about [my legacy and the history I stand to make]. I’m not worried about what people are going to say about me, I have a fighter that is very good and technical in front of me in Sergio Pettis.
“My main focus is to become the 135-pound champion, and then we’ll see where to go from there.”
