UFC 314: Yair Rodriguez vs. Patricio Pitbull: Live round-by-round updates
A featherweight contest between Yair Rodriguez and Patricio 'Pitbull' will go down later this evening (April 12) on the main card of UFC 314 at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
Rodriguez (16-5) is one of the most prolific strikers in the division. With eight knockouts and five submissions to his name 'El Pantera' sports a true fan-friendly style. While the Mexican holds wins against the likes of Josh Emmett, BJ Penn, and Jeremy Stephens, he is currently on a two-fight skid.
The former interim featherweight champion could very well get back in the title mix with a win this weekend.
'Pitbull' (36-7) is perhaps the greatest fighter Bellator has ever produced. With 12 knockouts and submission finishes, the hard-hitting Brazilian is as well-rounded as they come.
During his Bellator days, he famously knocked Michael Chandler in the very first round.
Per DraftKings Sportsbook Rodriguez is a -198 favorite for the matchup with 'Pitbull' as a +164 underdog. The main card of the event is now live. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the fight card.
UFC 314: Yair Rodriguez vs. Patricio Pitbull
Round 1
The athletes are taking a cautious approach, trying to get a read on each other before committing. A right kick followed by a left-hand lands for Rodriguez, which seemingly buckled 'Pitbull' for a second.
Rodriguez's snappy kicks are voiding 'Pitbull' chances to close the distance. A flash jumping switch kick lands for the Mexican. 'Pitbull' is yet to land anything of consequence.
The Brazilian clinches with his opponent after getting hit with a body kick. A 1-2 lands for the Bellator legend. As 'El Pantera' slips to the ground after a body side kick, 'Pitbull' quickly secures side control and then moves to a top half guard.
Our score: 10-9 Rodriguez, Rodriguez 10-9 overall.
Round 2
As the second round unfolds, 'Pibull' goes high with a kick. 'Pitbull' explodes forward and connects a right hand. He follows it up with a 1-2. Rodriguez once again uses his high kicks to push his opponent back.
'Pitbull' forces a takedown, but Rodriguez uses the fence to get back to his feet. A straight right-hand lands for the Mexican followed by a high kick body kick combo.
'Pitbull' is trying to force his opponent on the cage, but an elusive Rodriguez uses elite footwork to circle out of danger. 'Pitbull' threatens a takedown to push his opponent onto the cage. 'El Pantera' reverses and gets a takedown of his own.
Our score: 10-9 Rodriguez, Rodriguez 20-18 overall.
Round 3
Rodriguez is banking on his kicks to deny his opponent chances to initiate combinations. 'Pitbull' cracks his opponent with a punch, and the Mexican quickly circles out of danger.
'El Pantera' connects with a powerful 1-2 that drops his opponent. He quickly employs brutal ground and pound. 'Pitbull' is in trouble. The Brazilian tries to lock in an armbar in between the chaos.
Check out the knockdown below:
Rodriguez slips out and locks in a heel hook of his own. As the pair gets back to their feet, 'El Pantera' throws his hands up in the air in celebration.
Our score: 10-9 Rodriguez, Rodriguez 30-27
Official decision: Yair Rodriguez def. Patricio Pitbull via unanimous decision. (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Check out Yair Rodriguez celebrate his UFC 314 win below: