MIAMI – Patricio Freire continues to hit milestones in his first UFC fight week with a pre-fight press conference faceoff Thursday against Yair Rodriguez ahead of UFC 314. The former two-division Bellator titleholder "Pitbull" Freire (36-7 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is slated to make his octagon debut against former interim UFC featherweight champ Rodriguez (15-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC) on Saturday at Kaseya Center (ESPN+ pay-per-view). Freire’s move to the UFC has been long desired, and he gets tasked with a spot on the main card of a numbered event against dangerous perennial contender Rodriguez, who has his own aspirations of returning to championship fights.
Both men were respectful during the media event, but were intense when they got in front of each other for the staredown. Check out the video above to see the first Rodriguez vs. Freire faceoff from the UFC 314 press conference. For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 314.
As UFC 314 approaches, the anticipation is palpable. In the featherweight bout, Rodriguez is a -205 favorite while Freire stands as a +158 underdog on FanDuel. This matchup has drawn considerable attention from fans and analysts alike, with many speculating on how Freire will perform in his UFC debut.
Chase Hooper, a UFC lightweight, believes Freire will use his wrestling to secure a decision victory, stating, “I’m going with Pitbull. I think he uses his wrestling to win a decision.” On the other hand, veteran Jim Miller, while a fan of Rodriguez, acknowledges Freire’s talent, saying, “I’m a fan of Yair, but Pitbull is super talented. I’ll say Yair, but it could go either way.”
Davey Grant, a bantamweight, also leans towards Rodriguez, citing his length and UFC experience as key factors in the fight. “I think Yair Rodriguez. He will be too long for Pitbull, and the UFC experience will help him,” he remarked. Youssef Zalal, a UFC featherweight, expects Rodriguez to win by decision, while Modestas Bukauskas, another lightweight, is intrigued by Freire’s debut and thinks he might wrestle Rodriguez to victory.
Vince Morales, a bantamweight, echoes the sentiments of others by picking Rodriguez, emphasizing his UFC experience and size advantage. Conversely, Julian Erosa, a featherweight, sides with Freire, noting, “Yair doesn’t seem as good as he once was, and Pitbull is gonna come in with a chip on his shoulder.”
Freire’s journey to this moment is remarkable. The former Bellator three-time champion has built a legacy over a decade, claiming titles in both featherweight and lightweight divisions. With 24 finishes in 34 victories (12 knockouts and 12 submissions), Freire has established himself as one of the most formidable fighters in the sport.
His last victory came in March 2024 when he defended his featherweight title against rising contender Jeremy Kennedy in Belfast, Northern Ireland. As he prepares for this step into the octagon, questions loom about the transition from Bellator to UFC. At 37 years old, Freire is acutely aware of the challenges ahead.
“Finally, after a long journey in professional MMA, to be able to make my UFC debut at 37 years old is something I'm proud of,” Freire said in a recent interview. “I’m arriving with vast experience and ready to bother the division. I'm bringing some heat and willing to take the belt back to Brazil.”
Freire is not just looking to make a statement; he aims for a path to the title. “A fight with Yair Rodriguez puts me in a great place in the division, so if my performance is really good, I believe I will fight for the title,” he added. Freire is confident in his abilities, stating, “He’s good, he’s very dynamic, but I’m better. I put pressure on him, put him down, and smash him. That’s what’s going to happen.”
The stakes are high not just for Freire but for Rodriguez as well. Ranked number five, Rodriguez boasts impressive victories over top fighters such as Brian Ortega, Josh Emmet, Jung Chan-Sung (Korean Zombie), Dan Hooker, and B.J. Penn. This matchup presents a crucial opportunity for both fighters to solidify their standings in the featherweight division.
Meanwhile, the event will also feature a highly anticipated main event where former champion Alexander Volkanovski faces number 3 ranked Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight title. Volkanovski recently acknowledged a bet he made with Freire years ago regarding a title shot, adding another layer of intrigue to the evening.
The clash between Freire and Rodriguez is not just a fight; it represents a turning point in Freire's illustrious career. Will he cement his legacy in the UFC or will Rodriguez prove too formidable? Fans will have to tune in to find out this Saturday at UFC 314.
As the fight night approaches, excitement builds not just for the fighters but for the fans who will witness what promises to be a thrilling evening of MMA action. With both fighters bringing their unique skill sets and backgrounds, UFC 314 is shaping up to be a landmark event in the world of mixed martial arts.
Stay tuned for what could be the dawn of a new chapter in the careers of both Patricio "Pitbull" Freire and Yair Rodriguez.
