Pitbull & Page: UFC Matchmaking Frustrations Echo Bellator Days
The transition to the UFC hasn’t been seamless for all former Bellator stars, according to recent comments from Patricio Pitbull. The Brazilian fighter, a former two-division champion in Bellator, expressed frustration with what he perceives as a reluctance from UFC fighters to engage with him, a stark contrast to the competitive spirit he experienced in his previous promotion.
Pitbull’s comments come on the heels of similar sentiments voiced by Michael Page, who recently questioned whether the UFC was actively seeking challenging matchups for him. Page, who debuted in the UFC last year, admitted to accepting a fight with Sam Patterson simply to remain active after struggling to secure a more desirable opponent.
“I’ve asked for many names and I’ve heard many names but there’s something different here compared to Bellator,” Pitbull told MMA Junkie. “There, everyone was willing to fight, everyone wanted to fight and here, the guys keep hiding themselves behind the rankings. I’m willing to fight anyone from the top to the bottom. Whoever they put in front of me, I’m fighting. But, the guys here don’t think the same way.”
Pitbull, currently ranked #13 in the UFC featherweight division as of March 3, 2026, is preparing for his third fight in the promotion at UFC 327 next month. His opponent will be Aaron Pico, a matchup that would have been a significant event within the Bellator landscape. The fight represents a potential showcase for both fighters, but Pitbull’s comments suggest a broader issue within the UFC regarding fighter willingness to take on challenging opponents.
The Brazilian’s journey to the UFC began in April of last year, and his initial bout was originally scheduled for September against Losene Keita. However, that fight was cancelled when Keita missed weight by three pounds. This cancellation added to the challenges Pitbull has faced in establishing himself in the UFC.
Page echoed similar concerns, suggesting that his unique fighting style might be contributing to the difficulty in securing fights. “I could be completely off and it could solely be that people are deciding to just not choose this particular complex fight,” Page told Bloody Elbow. “I sense like people don’t look at me and feel like they’re scared, but it is a complicated fight simply given that of the style. It’s just a fight that’s a bit unusual. ‘Why would I pick that guy when I can pick an equally difficult person but with a more familiar style that I’ve been trained against for years and years?’”
Pitbull’s career prior to joining the UFC was marked by considerable success in Bellator. He became a three-time Bellator Featherweight Champion and also held the Bellator Lightweight Championship, becoming the second-ever simultaneous two-weight champion in the promotion’s history. He is widely considered the greatest fighter in Bellator history. Born on , in Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, Pitbull began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the age of ten and later honed his skills at the Chute Boxe academy alongside notable MMA figures like Wanderlei Silva and Mauricio Rua.
The contrast Pitbull draws between Bellator and the UFC is significant. He suggests that in Bellator, there was a greater willingness among fighters to test themselves against all comers, while in the UFC, fighters appear more inclined to prioritize rankings and avoid potentially risky matchups. This dynamic raises questions about the competitive landscape within the UFC and whether the pursuit of strategic positioning is overshadowing the desire for compelling fights.
Pitbull’s fight against Aaron Pico offers a potential solution to his matchmaking frustrations. Pico, a highly touted prospect, presents a formidable challenge, and a victory over him could significantly elevate Pitbull’s standing in the UFC featherweight division. However, the underlying issue of fighter reluctance remains, and it will be interesting to see whether the UFC addresses these concerns as more former Bellator fighters navigate the complexities of the promotion.
The situation highlights a potential cultural difference between the two organizations. Bellator, often positioned as a more fighter-friendly promotion, may have fostered a greater sense of camaraderie and willingness to engage in competitive matchups. The UFC, with its larger scale and higher stakes, may prioritize strategic maneuvering and risk management, leading to a more cautious approach to fight selection.
As Pitbull prepares for his fight against Pico, his comments serve as a reminder that transitioning between promotions is not always straightforward. While the UFC offers a larger platform and greater exposure, it also presents unique challenges, including navigating a different competitive landscape and overcoming potential matchmaking hurdles. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Pitbull can overcome these challenges and establish himself as a force in the UFC featherweight division.