Bellator 286: The Long Beach Arena; Long Beach, California
It’s almost become a ho-hum situation in Bellator. Patricio Freire fights… and wins. With win 22 in Bellator, it expands one of his 11-records as Pitbull reigns supreme again. And what sets him apart from all others is his ring IQ.
“Pitbull” is far from the fastest or strongest fighter. But what is between the ears is putting him on a pedestal. Thanks to that and some nice counter striking he shut down the hot Adam Borics. While it wasn’t pretty, it was successful; sweeping all three-judge’s scorecards. Pitbull actually moved better than he did since before losing the belt to AJ McKee.
Now whether the 29-year old Hungarian was in “awe” of Pitbull, we’ll never really know. But with Pitbull stifling Borics’ attacks the decision was an easy one to make. There were no answers for what Pitbull did and no corrections executed between rounds for Borics. When Borics tried to use his jab, Pitbull kept coming into his range; suffocating him.
There’s levels to this game, as they say; and despite the usual fast pace from Borics, he’s a step behind here.
Pitbull Reigns Supreme Again But What Is Really Next
In this day and age of fantasy sports, there’s two great “Fantasy MMA” fights. One is for the title of true King Of Brazil; Jose Aldo. Although recently retired, the future UFC Hall Of Famer is in no way ever going to fight again. It’s a battle Pitbull has always talked about wanting, and one that fans in Brazil would clamor for. The other is “The Underground King” Eddie Alvarez. Whereas a fight with Aldo would be speed based, this one would be a prodding come forward fist fight.
So, what’s most likely? Well Scott Coker can say what he wants, but putting Aaron Pico in a title fight coming off an injury and a loss is not what he does. This isn’t the UFC. So Pico will need to grab a win. Most likely either a rematch with Jamie Kennedy or Borics. Even Pitbull himself said he was considering him, but a broken collarbone has dampened that.
A trilogy versus McKee is out there too. But the issue with that is McKee just looked too good at 155. If the extra weight slowed him down, an argument can be made; so scratch that off the list. Add to the fact McKee would only go back down for the belt. Should he do that, and win, Bellator might find themselves in trouble. It’s getting harder for the “Mercenary” to make weight.
The ALMOST Likely Choice Is…
Unless they attempt to hand Cinderella a golden shoe and gift Daniel Weichel a shot, there is nobody at 145 left. Thanks to Pitbull shredding the division. Going up is not an option with Patricky champ; so start a weight cut. With the discipline that comes out of Team Pitbull it shouldn’t be too hard. The only factor is can his soon to be 36-year old body take it.
Then place him as the first challenger for the winner of the bantamweight grand prix. JOSH THOMPSON said it best;
“It’s about legacy. His legacy. And the sport has never had a three division champion”.
For all the “who’s better; UFC or Bellator” talk; this could be a huge feather in their cap. Then again, if Henry Cejudo actually returns; who’s to say he doesn’t get that status first. The only thing that Pitbull might need to work on is more of a kicking game. And that’s a real nitpick. Unless you want to throw in also submission defense.
The fact he has great vision, solid footwork, and counters phenomenally makes up for any short coming. Come to think of it… not only is he the face of Bellator, and might be their greatest fighter ever; he may be Top-6 in MMA All-Time.
When you need a sports fix… jump to: Belly Up Sports. And to see all things CYCLONE; head over to: Facebook.
