5 Ideal Opponents for His Potential UFC Debut

On Tuesday, Donn Davis, the owner of the Professional Fighters League, made a statement. He gave Patricio Pitbull what seems to be his unconditional release.

How did Pitbull end up getting his release from the PFL?

The same day the PFL released a statement regarding the removal of the Bellator brand from the main event and title rotation, Pitbull took to social media with his latest rant against the PFL.

Pitbull used the UFC’s recent release of Holly Holm as an example of how an organization should treat a sports legend. Pitbull did what was best for him and he got what he wanted. It was smart for him to put pressure on the PFL, and then it was smart for the PFL to get rid of the negative element that Pitbull had become.

Pitbull is expected to sign with the UFC

As it stands, most expect Pitbull to land with the UFC. He has made it clear that he would like to be there. Dana White was asked about the potential of Pitbull joining his organization and he seemed open to the concept, though he didn’t specifically talk about the Brazilian legend.

At 37 years old, it seems unlikely that Pitbull will be on a tear, which would lead to him becoming a UFC world champion. However, he is as tough and respected as they come in mixed martial arts.

Based on his reputation and vibe, he could have some fun fights with the UFC over the next three years.

5 ideal opponents for Pitbull in his UFC debut

Michael Chandler

Like Pitbull, Chandler is a former Bellator champion and legend with the promotion. They never wrestled while both were with the organization, mainly because Pitbull is a featherweight and Chandler is a lightweight.

That being said, is it out of the realm of possibility that Pitbull wrestles at 155 pounds? If not, this fight would have a special atmosphere because of Bellator’s history, and both men bring a versatile style.

Jose Aldo

Both Aldo and Pitbull are Brazilian legends. At one point, this was a dream fight that we thought we would never see because Aldo was a UFC champion and Pitbull was a Bellator champion.

Aldo would have to move back down to bantamweight, but that wouldn’t seem like a major problem for him. If Pitbull comes with the UFC, this fight seems like a no-brainer.

Max Holloway

Holloway’s next fight will be his debut as a full-time welterweight. Again, Pitbull would have to make weight, but in this case, he would be doing so against another legend who has spent most of his career at 145 pounds.

Pitbull’s team has suggested that he would covet the BMF title. How good would a BMF title fight be?

Alexander Volkanovski

Pitbull has already called Volkanovski out.

Volk has a championship on his mind and looks like he’s in line to take another crack at Ilia Topuria when he returns. However, if Volk doesn’t get the rematch with Topuria, he could be the perfect guy to welcome Pitbull to the UFC.

The Swanson puppy

Swanson flirted with retirement after his major knockout of Billy Quarantillo in December 2024, but he seemed open to another fight if it was against an intriguing opponent.

Pitbull would apparently qualify. If Pitbull comes in and handles Swanson impressively, it could be enough to clinch a spot in the featherweight rankings. If he loses to Swanson, it will tell the UFC something about where he is at this stage of his career. Either way, this fight could be epic.

Bonus – Josh Emmett

I decided to add Emmett as the last and probably most practical option. Emmett is looking to make a statement so he can resume his climb up the featherweight ranks and I’m sure Pitbull would love to start his UFC career as a ranked fighter.

A win would put Pitbull a win or two away from a title shot, and that should be an appealing concept for him.