There can seemingly be no doubt over Patricio Pitbull’s motivation to perform at UFC 318.
Pitbull’s next outing is perhaps the most intriguing storyline at Saturday’s pay-per-view in New Orleans aside from Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight against Max Holloway in the main event.
The MMA legend who enjoyed title reigns at both featherweight and lightweight in Bellator debuted in the UFC after having his frequent calls for a PFL release finally granted earlier this year. But the Brazilian was unable to make a fast start in the Octagon, as Yair Rodriguez beat Pitbull at UFC 314 in Miami.
Following that result, it cannot be overstated just how important the clash against Dan Ige is for Pitbull. And it seems that the man himself does not need reminding.
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Henry Cejudo speaks highly of Patricio Pitbull’s UFC 318 motivation
During a recent episode of his Pound 4 Pound podcast alongside fellow former UFC champion Kamaru Usman, Henry Cejudo previewed Pitbull’s sophomore appearance in the Octagon.
‘Triple C’ was in Natal, Brazil, to help train the Bellator legend for his UFC 318 camp. While Cejudo is a big fan of Ige, he warned that Pitbull has “never” had a chip on his shoulder in the same way he does leading up to Saturday’s PPV at Smoothie King Center.
“I’ll tell you what, man, I am actually here in Natal (training with Pitbull) right now,” Cejudo said.
“I know Patricio very well. Patricio is like a big brother, man. … Patricio has a chip on his shoulder, Kamaru, that I have never seen before.
“The only time that I really did see that chip on his shoulder was when he lost to AJ McKee,” Cejudo continued. “He came back and you know what happened? He beat him. Every rematch Patricio has ever had, he’s been able to win.”
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Patricio Pitbull is in a must-win scenario at UFC 318
Of all those set to compete at UFC 318, not many will have as much pressure on them as Pitbull does.
After not performing as expected in his long-awaited Octagon debut, it is crucial that the Brazilian immediately bounces back if he is to keep his hopes of adding UFC gold to his illustrious MMA résumé alive.
At the age of 38 and in a division filled with highly regarded youngsters vying for a shot at gold, an 0-2 start to his UFC career could be critical.
With that in mind, all eyes are on arguably the greatest name to compete in Bellator.