Patricio Pitbull can finally say he has a win in the UFC.
Following a disappointing performance in his debut, the former Bellator champion bounced back with a decision win over Dan Ige at UFC 318. Pitbull showed off some of his vintage power with a flash knockdown in the second round and then survived a late comeback from Ige to get the job done.
All three judges scored the fight 29-28 with Pitbull earning the victory.
A long feeling out process eventually led to Pitbull getting a slick takedown and
then a trip to bring Ige back to the canvas again. Ige defended well while working to return to his feet and reset in the center of the cage.
Ige was coming up short with many of his biggest punches while Pitbull was wary not to get drawn into a big exchange and risk eating a power shot from the always dangerous Hawaiian.
After a lackluster opening round, Ige got busy stepping into his combinations and snapping off punches in successions. Ige continued with greater offensive output while Pitbull was tentative and just not throwing much of anything in return.
Just when it looked like Ige was taking over, Pitbull blasted him with a huge straight right that dropped him to a knee. Pitbull continued the onslaught trying to get the finish as he backed Ige against the cage and just unloaded a barrage of punches.
Ige survived but he gave up a takedown late, which led to his corner telling him he likely needed a finish if he wanted to leave New Orleans with a win.
That’s when Ige connected with a huge head kick that crushed Pitbull’s nose yet somehow he didn’t actually go down from the strike landed. Ige started moving forward with more aggression and really letting his hands go to try and deliver the knockout.
Unfortunately, Ige just couldn’t land a fight finishing blow and Pitbull was able to counter with his grappling to slow down his opponent’s late surge. While it got a little dicey late, Pitbull already did enough through the first two rounds to get the win.
Now 1-1 in the UFC, Pitbull obviously hopes to build on this win and show the UFC why he was a good free agent pickup after spending almost his entire career outside the promotion.
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