Former Bellator lightweight world champion Patricky Pitbull returned to the legendary Saitama Super Arena in Japan for a showdown with RIZIN lightweight titleholder Roberto de Souza at Bellator x RIZIN 2.
Pitbull was originally scheduled to square off with A.J. McKee, but McKee was forced to withdraw due to a staph infection on his knee. As a result, de Souza will step in to square off with Pitbull in a Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix quarter-final contest.
Round 1
Patricky Pitbull puts on the pressure early as de Souza circles along the outside of the cage. De Souza lands a leg kick as Pitbull continues to size up his opponent. De Souza lands another leg kick and follows it up with a right hand that misses the mark. Pitbull lands a leg kick of his own. De Souza goes high with the head kick. Pitbull closes the distance and de Souza attempts a takedown but quickly gives up on it. Calf kick by Pitbull. A combination from Pitbull glances off de Souza.
Pitbull moves in and de Souza attempts to respond with a flying knee. Pitbull again pressures de Souza back toward the fence and fires a low kick followed by a combination upstairs. Pitbull attempts a flying knee of his own, but de Souza is hip to it and moves out of danger. The high kick by Pitbull is blocked. Pitbull follows it up with a spinning back kick that pushes de Souza against the cage and the two fighters exchange strikes until the bell sounds.
Round 2
Patricky Pitbull closes in on his opponent and de Souza moves in looking for a takedown but opts to pull guard. Pitbull immediately gets back to his feet and forces de Souza back up as well. Body kick by Pitbull. De Souza continues to circle the outside of the cage and is hesitant to offer any offense. Pitbull moves in and de Souza throws a combination followed by a body kick. De Souza shoots and Pitbull again sprawls. Combination by Pitbull lands.
Pitbull throws a flying knee that appears to connect, sending de Souza down to the mat. Pitbull moves in for the kill, but thinks twice about it and backs off, allowing de Souza to get back to his feet just as the round comes to a close.
Round 3
A low kick from de Souza to open the round. De Souza throws a right jab and Pitbull goes high with a head kick. Pitbull throws a heavy leg kick that puts de Souza on the canvas. Pitbull swarms and throws a handful of ground and pound strikes until de Souza turns his back, forcing the referee to step in and stop the bout.
Official Result: Patricky Pitbull def. Roberto de Souza via TKO (leg kick) at 0:49 of Round 3
Check Out Highlights From Patricky Pitbull vs. Roberto de Souza at Bellator x RIZIN 2 Below:
The crowd shows their respect as @PatrickyPitbull stuffs a @ToshiJJ takedown! #BellatorXRizin is LIVE@SHOsports 🇺🇸 / @UNEXT_fight 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/8IHcuDpVk5
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) July 30, 2023
An exciting end to Round 1 between @PatrickyPitbull and @ToshiJJ! 👀 #BellatorXRizin is LIVE@SHOsports 🇺🇸 / @UNEXT_fight 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/KPBhTSE7Pl
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) July 30, 2023
🇧🇷 @PatrickyPitbull showing his defense and offense in the same sequence! #BellatorXRizin is LIVE@SHOsports 🇺🇸 / @UNEXT_fight 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/N8seFppr2m
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) July 30, 2023
Deadly leg kick! 🦵💥
The finish from @PatrickyPitbull in slow motion 👀
Can he go all the way in the #BellatorLWGP? #BellatorXRizin pic.twitter.com/rCRgEII479
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) July 30, 2023
