Patricky Pitbull needs nothing short of a miracle to advance to the 2024 PFL lightweight playoffs after a bad start to the season.
The former Bellator champion enters the cage Friday to take on Bruno Miranda after losing via second-round knockout to Clay Collard in his promotional debut in April, and seeks a quick finish PFL Salt Lake City to keep his championship dream alive. Pitbull and Miranda have zero points at the moment, sitting behind Collard (5), Michael Dufort (5), Brent Primus (5), Elvin Espinoza (4) and Gadzhi Rabadanov (3).
“We know anything can happen in MMA,” Pitbull said in an interview with MMA Fighting. “It can be a terrible night for the others, wonderful night for me. I hope that happens. Unfortunately, I have to root against some athletes. Let’s wait. I’ll do everything I can to end this fight in the first round.”
Miranda had success early in the 2023 season with three straight wins before losing to Olivier Aubin-Mercier in the lightweight semifinal, and was stopped by ex-Bellator titleholder Primus in his first bout of the 2024 season.
“Bruno has a gigantic hole on the ground, in the grappling area,” Pitbull said. “On the striking area, too, I see great ways to end this fight. The Pitbull will be unleashed and ready to go. I have no time to study. Action, reaction, and brawl [laughs].”
Pitbull reenters the cage less than three months removed from his stoppage loss to Collard, but he’s not worried about the quick turnaround. In fact, the Brazilian veteran said it helped him stay in shape and recover from old injuries.
“I only took three days off and then went back into training,” Pitbull said. “I had some stitches on my face but nothing that could limit me. I thought my injury would get worse, but it’s actually gotten way better.”
“I love to stay active,” he continued. “That’s something I’ve always asked Bellator but only managed to do one time, if I recall correctly. I love this format, I love to be active and working. I want to stay on the tournament and advance to the next phase and fight more this year. I’m hungry to fight and brawl.”
