Rashad Evans shared his thoughts on UFC 327 and claimed that Patricio Pitbull is under the most pressure. Evans even went as far as stating that Pitbull’s legacy in the sport is on the line. The Brazilian faces Aaron Pico in the prelim headliner, which is scheduled to simulcast on Paramount+ and CBS.
Pitbull, a former two-division Bellator champion, was considered among the top fighters outside the UFC for years. He made his octagon debut last year after the PFL granted him his release. While he was immediately given an opportunity in his debut, he fell short against Yair Rodriguez.
The Brazilian redeemed himself in his second bout, earning a unanimous decision over Dan Ige. Now 38, every win is crucial, as a loss could signal the end of Pitbull’s UFC title aspirations. A UFC featherweight championship victory would be significant, especially if he achieves it closer to age-40.
The former Bellator champion currently sits at No. 13 in the UFC featherweight rankings. So, a victory over Pico could push him into the top 10.
Rashad Evans Explains Why Patricio Pitbull is Under More Pressure at UFC 327
Rashad Evans explained why Patricio Pitbull faces more pressure than his opponent, Aaron Pico. While Pico has yet to win inside the octagon, he enters UFC 327 as the betting favorite.
Pico is coming off a knockout loss to Lerone Murphy last August. Pitbull, meanwhile, defeated Dan Ige last July, but was scheduled to make a quick turnaround in September. That fight was canceled after his opponent, Losene Keita, missed weight.
Evans feels Pitbull is putting his legacy on the line when he faces Pico. The former UFC light heavyweight champion acknowledged the Brazilian’s resume. He noted that a loss could reinforce an ongoing narrative within the MMA community.
“I would say [Pitbull needs the win more] because he reached higher heights than Pico has ever reached outside the UFC,” Evans said during an appearance on The Bohnfire. “He’s coming in there with that legendary career already in another organization. You’ve got to come [to the UFC] to fulfill high-level competitiveness to really validate what his legend his.”
He added:
“The story of him would be, ‘Yeah, Pitbull was good, but that was in Bellator.’ That would really cast [him in] not the best light,” he said. “I think it’s bigger for Pitbull because I feel like his legacy hangs in the balance of being that top competitor in the UFC.”
Evans Highlights Difference Between Pitbull and Pico
Evans also highlighted a key difference between in Pico’s skill set that could be costly against Pitbull.
During his appearance on The Bohnfire, Evans said that while Pico has shown great potential, he has left himself exposed in fights. That was on display in his latest bout against Murphy. He was performing well, but was dropped with a spinning back elbow and lost by 1st round knockout.
“Pico’s always one of those fighters who has so much potential and more or less waited to realize that potential and has had moments,” he said. “There’s times where Pico has looked amazing, a world beater, and then something will happen where you get caught.”
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