When speaking about Bellator MMA and the point out of the final names Pitbull or McKee are introduced up, there’s quick historical past, championship attract, and a rivalry amongst three of the very best to ever grace the Bellator cage. Patricio, the reigning featherweight champion has gone 1-1 in opposition to A.J. McKee, shedding to him the featherweight World Grand Prix, however then bringing their matchup to even when he received by resolution of their rematch for the 145-pound title. Now, his brother Patricky Pitbull will look to get his personal victory in opposition to McKee after they struggle to open up the Light-weight World Grand Prix at Bellator vs Rizin 2 on July 29.
Earlier than the rematch loss, McKee had been undefeated and has bounced again to win two straight, transferring as much as the light-weight division and opening with probably the greatest matchups for Bellator this 12 months in opposition to Patricky. The previous light-weight champion himself, the older brother of Patricio, Patricky spoke with MyMMANews.com in regards to the matchup in opposition to McKee, what it means to struggle in Japan, and his hopes to get a rematch within the World Grand Prix Finals.
Forward of his struggle in opposition to McKee, Patricky Pitbull says there was undoubtedly an curiosity and dedication in attending to struggle McKee due to the historical past between him and his brother. With the struggle taking place in Japan, it brings much more significance and significance to what ought to be a particular night time within the cross-promotion occasion.
“I feel it’s an excellent historical past as a result of my brother fought in opposition to him twice, so now I’ll struggle in opposition to him and I feel it’s an excellent historical past. I consider we make good historical past and now’s my likelihood to beat him and take my subsequent opponent. I like it [in Japan] as a result of the followers love me, I like the followers, and it’s particular. It’s particular to do the primary struggle within the match there, to me, it’s good.”
Not solely is there good historical past for him and A.J. McKee, however the way in which the bracket has been set for the Light-weight World Grand Prix, there’s a likelihood that Patricky Pitbull could have the chance to rematch Usman Nurmagomedov within the finals, in the event that they each received there, for the $1 million grand prize, and the light-weight world title. There was no hesitation from Pitbull in letting it’s recognized that he hopes to see Nurmagomedov within the finals.
“Sure, after all. It’s an excellent historical past to complete the match. I consider it’s going to be nice and great.”
Figuring out what’s at stake and the way particular the night time will probably be combating in Japan, Pitbull credited and gave compliments to his upcoming opponent and added these are the fights he likes to be concerned in as a result of the joy will probably be there for all.
“A.J. is a harmful fighter. He’s generally loopy. He’ll do a spin-kick, after the kick he’ll attempt to takedown, he’s like a avenue fighter, I like it, I like it. I like fights like this, it’s going to be thrilling, I like the thought [of fighting him].”
The thrill will probably be there each contained in the cage and within the crowd for probably the greatest matchups on paper for Bellator MMA as an entire this 12 months, and as he units his sights on an eventual rematch, Patricky Pitbull is just not alone within the pursuit of his massive targets. Regardless of failing to develop into a three-division world champion at Bellator 297 final month, Patricky said that his brother Patricio nonetheless has the objective to develop into the primary fighter to ever maintain titles in three divisions for a significant promotion.
“Sure, after all, he nonetheless desires the third belt. He nonetheless take into consideration this, he nonetheless believes about this. When he fascinated about this, I consider he can take it.”
Patricio and Patricky Pitbull have already got championship legacies, as does Patricky’s opponent, A.J. McKee, and so when the 2 of them faceoff in entrance of a packed crowd in Japan to kickoff the Light-weight World Grand Prix, there’s going to be a particular feeling all through the sector. The story of McKee-Pitbull will add one other chapter, as Patricky Pitbull appears to be like to start a brand new chapter, his street to redemption and profitable again the Bellator MMA light-weight title.
Watch the total video above for the interview with Patricky Pitbull.
Mike Pendleton is a present contributor to MyMMANews whereas additionally internet hosting his “On The Mic” podcast and is a former Affiliate Producer at Sirius XM’s Struggle Nation.
With a particular ardour for interviewing and speaking to the easiest across the struggle sport, you possibly can learn or take heed to Mike’s work throughout his a number of shops.Comply with me on Twitter: @MP2310
