This is the live blog of UFC 327 for Patricio Pitbull vs. Aaron Pico, the featherweight fight that closes Saturday’s preliminary card at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
Pitbull is ranked No. 10 at 145 pounds in the overall MMA fighting rankings, with Pico a few spots behind at No. 15.
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Pitbull (37-8), Bellator’s greatest champion, finally crosses paths with Pico (13-5), who long appeared as a threat to challenge Pitbull for featherweight gold. The stars never aligned to compete in the Bellator cage, but now that he’s landed in the UFC, this long-awaited fight is finally here.
Pitbull has disappointed in both of his UFC fights, losing a listless decision to Yair Rodriguez in his debut and then outpointing Dan Ige to get back into the win column. The Brazilian veteran will turn 39 in July and could pass the torch to Pico, who suffered his setback when he was brutally knocked out by Lerone Murphy in his first UFC fight. We will soon find out what Pitbull has left and whether Pico, one of MMA’s true fighters, has the qualities to be a future UFC title challenger.
Check out the UFC 327 live blog for Patricio Pitbull vs. Aaron Pico next.
Preamble
It’s kind of surreal to see Pitbull and Pico finally face off. And in the UFC, no less! However, it was fate that this fight happened, so I’m glad we got it.
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Big question: Is Pitbull washed? I don’t think so. But… maybe?
Always tell me the odds
You know who thinks Pitbull is washed up? The gamblers! The multiple-time Bellator champion is a +205 underdog, while Pico is a heavy favorite at -250 on FanDuel.
Round 1
Referee Keith Peterson is overseeing this contest.
Pico immediately spinning around, has a clear advantage in speed. Pitbull keeps his distance and throws the occasional punch. A strong blow catches Pico entering. Pitbull lands a right hand and Pico ducks for a single leg. They are back in the center of the octagon.
Pitbull throws a hard low kick, but it slips, so there’s no follow-up. Pico throws strong punches, Pitbull’s defense holds up until now. He catches Pico with another strong leg kick. Pico with a 1-2 in the middle, changes levels and stands on Pitbull’s back with a double leg takedown.