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UFC 314: Former Bellator Champion Issues Warning Ahead of High Stakes Debut

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Mar 11, 2025 6:16 PM ET

Former Bellator Champion has arrived in the UFC featherweight division, and he's not here for the hype—he’s here to compete at the highest level. Following Bellator’s transition under PFL, he tested free agency before signing with the UFC, securing a contract after a direct conversation with Dana White. Now, he is set to make his UFC debut at UFC 314 in Miami’s Kaseya Center, an event that promises excitement with high-stakes matchups across multiple divisions.

UFC 314 is stacked, headlined by Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes, with Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett in the co-main.

Patricio "Pitbull" Freire has been a respected featherweight for years, and now he has the chance to test himself at the highest level in the UFC.

"I’m going to smash him."

That’s Pitbull’s message. In a recent interview with MMAFightingonSBN, he reiterated his confidence and belief that he will make a statement in his UFC debut. He is confident in his ability to make an impression on the UFC fanbase and is determined to show that he belongs among the best in the division. The two-division Bellator champion is ready to unleash his full potential.

Rodríguez, meanwhile, is at a crossroads. Once seen as a future champion, he’s now on a two-fight skid, his most recent loss coming via submission to Brian Ortega. Desperation fuels fighters, and Rodríguez is in dire need of a win to stay relevant in the stacked 145-pound division. But he’s running into a Pitbull that just stopped Jeremy Kennedy via TKO in Bellator’s Belfast event, bouncing back from two tough losses.

With both fighters having something to prove, this bout will be a pivotal moment in the featherweight division. Will Pitbull rise to the occasion and prove he is a force in the UFC, or can Rodríguez turn his career around with a much-needed victory? This matchup will be one to watch.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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