Pitbull Faces Choi In Crucial UFC 331 Test

Patricio Pitbull meets Doo Ho Choi at UFC 331 this Saturday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with the 39-year-old Brazilian facing a critical test against a surging featherweight contender.

Pitbull joined the UFC roster late in his career and has struggled to find his footing, winning just one of three bouts inside the octagon. Choi, meanwhile, has reeled off three consecutive knockout victories since returning from a four-year absence due to injuries and military service, per MMA Mania.

Choi Opens As Favorite Over Pitbull

The South Korean enters as the betting favorite at -265, with Pitbull sitting at +200. Choi's knockout finish is priced at +160, while oddsmakers have Pitbull's counter-punching path to victory at +850 for a knockout win. The Brazilian's most recent UFC appearance ended in a broken orbital against Aaron Pico at UFC 327 in April.

Pitbull remains a composed veteran with accurate counter-punching and world-class grappling when fights hit the mat. But he has struggled against high-volume, rangy opponents as his timing and explosion have diminished with age. His lone UFC victory came over Dan Ige, a rare featherweight who did not exceed his height and reach.

Choi has tightened his boxing significantly and incorporated takedowns into his offensive toolkit. He possesses the hand speed and physical advantages to frustrate Pitbull, who cannot afford to fall behind on the punch count again. The Korean fighter's active jab and natural power should allow him to feint his way into heavier connections while dulling Pitbull's counter timing.

UFC 331 airs Saturday with the main card beginning at 10 p.m. ET.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Patricio Pitbull vs. Doo Ho Choi: Odds, full fight preview and prediction | UFC 331