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Patricio Pitbull has no plans to fight Usman Nurmagomedov at lightweight.
Pitbull, the current Bellator featherweight champion, vacated the lightweight title in 2021 so his brother Patricky could take over the division. Their plans to dominate Bellator divisions simultaneously were disrupted by Usman Nurmagomedov, who became the lightweight king at Bellator 288.
During an interview with Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports, Pitbull was asked about potentially returning to the lightweight division to avenge his brother’s loss. He responded by saying:
“No, that’s my brother’s problem. He needs to go there and take his belt again, you know? Usman [Nurmagomedov] is a very talented guy… My brother is a monster, and he didn’t fight that night. I hope one day he can do the rematch and take that belt back.”
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Patricky might have trouble regaining the lightweight title after Nurmagomedov dominated him at Bellator 288. Although Pitbull keeps a close eye on his brother, he has to be locked in for his upcoming challenges.
Watch Patricio Pitbull deny interest in returning to lightweight below:
What’s next for Patricio Pitbull?
Patricio Pitbull will look to cap off a highly-accomplished calendar year on December 31. The Brazilian world champion will represent Bellator in a cross-promotional event with RIZIN.
Pitbull is taking on Kleber Koike Erbst, the RIZIN featherweight champion, in the co-main event. The 35-year-old promoted the event on Instagram with the caption:
“The King is back and ready to conquer the land of the rising Sun…✌️ Weeks Out! This New Year's Eve we invite you to enjoy a showdown for the ages when #Bellator takes on @RIZIN_PR! #BellatorvsRizin | 12/31 | @SHOSports”
Pitbull started 2022 by regaining the featherweight title against AJ McKee Jr. He returned six months later and dominated Adam Borics to defend his throne. If the former Bellator lightweight champion can beat Koike Erbst, he could be a late candidate for fighter of the year.
It’ll be intriguing to see what’s in store for Pitbull in 2023. A trilogy fight against McKee Jr. would be epic, but ‘The Mercenary’ is expected to compete in the upcoming Bellator lightweight Grand Prix.
