UFC Fight Night – Patricio Pitbull vs. Losene Keita: Preview & Betting Tips

The UFC heads to Paris with a fascinating featherweight clash that pits legendary veteran Patricio “Pitbull” Freire against a UFC Octagon debutant in Losene Keita.

For over a decade, Pitbull (37-8) was the face of Bellator MMA. He held belts at lightweight and featherweight and even challenged for bantamweight gold, making him one of the most decorated fighters outside the UFC.

Now 37, Pitbull entered the Octagon earlier this year, where he dropped a competitive decision to former interim champion Yair Rodriguez. He bounced back quickly, showing his durability and well-rounded game in a hard-fought win over Dan Ige.

At just 27, Losene “Black Panther” Keita (16-1) brings momentum and intrigue into Paris. With an outstanding professional record, including 10 finishes, Keita has been a highlight reel in Europe, known for blistering speed and knockout power. His lone defeat came via injury, so he is yet to be legitimately beaten.

Tale of the Tape

Patricio Pitbull – Odds 2.60

Record: 37-8

Age: 37

Height: 5ft6

Reach: 67”

Weight: Featherweight

Stance: Orthodox 

Losene Keita – Odds 1.40

Record: 16-1

Age: 27

Height: 5ft9

Reach: 71”

Weight: Featherweight 

Stance: Orthodox 

Patricio Pitbull vs Losene Keita: Analysis

Pitbull’s best path to victory lies in mixing his striking in with his grappling, which will ultimately force Keita to work off his back and slow him down, and drag him into deep waters. If this fight drags into later rounds, Pitbull’s wealth of experience could shine.

For Keita, the much younger and rangier man’s biggest advantage is his speed and explosiveness. If he can keep the fight standing and use his striking variety, he could overwhelm Pitbull, especially early on in the bout.

The real question is how Keita handles a battle-tested legend like Pitbull. Many of his opponents haven’t had the experience, composure, or fight IQ that Pitbull brings. On the flip side, although Keita is coming in as a UFC debutant, Pitbull has not faced anyone in the UFC with the athleticism that the newcomer possesses.

Pitbull vs Keita: Prediction & Betting Tips

This feels like a passing of the torch type of fight. Pitbull is still a dangerous and savvy fighter, but Keita’s speed, power, and offensive creativity are likely to be too much. One area where Pitbull could test him is in grappling exchanges, but unless Keita freezes under the bright lights, his youth and striking arsenal give him the edge.

We have seen Keita sprawl and brawl over the years, and he does have a strong sprawl, but perhaps the Brazilian has some tricks up his sleeve to take him down and keep him on the mat.

I do agree with the oddsmakers here making Keita the favourite due to his freshness and supreme athleticism. And I’m siding with the Belgian fighter in this one.I’m taking Losene Keita to win by KO/TKO or DQ at odds of 4.00. I believe the Belgian will be too fresh and sharper for the veteran.