Bellator’s Featherweight Champion Patricio Pitbull Out Until 2024 Following Surgery
The featherweight champion in Bellator Patricio Pitbull will be out of action until 2024.
The news comes after the MMA star underwent surgery on his cervical spine on August 6th, 2023.
The news of the surgery came in the aftermath of his first KO defeat to Chihiro Suzuki on July 30th, 2023.
Following the defeat, Pitbull confirmed that he required surgery that had been giving him pain in his neck and arms.
“I was feeling this pressure when I got hit in the fights, I was feeling my arms and legs weak and numb. I avoided surgery because once you do it there’s no coming back, and there were risks involved, like not returning to fighting again. I was very conservative and paid the price. I had never lost two in a row nor got knocked out in 19 years as a professional. My only way out was doing the surgery,” Pitbull
The initial diagnosis suggests that Pitbull will be allowed to fight in sixth months time. And this will be vital for his next steps moving forward.
The fighter has had three fights after defending his title against Adam Borics. A victory over Kleber Koike was followed up by losses to Sergio Pettis and Suzuki.
But now that the surgery has been done, Pitbull was in better spirits for his return.
“I thank Dr. Marco and his team. Post-surgery was great. I feel way better and motivated to have my full recovery and return to training as soon as possible. Thanks to God and the training of the medical team, the problem was corrected and I’m sure I’ll come back stronger to defend my belt and have a rematch against Pettis for the bantamweight title and another against the Japanese Chihiro Suzuki in a defense of my title of Bellator’s feathers,” Pitbull
The attention will turn towards how Pitbull will look on his return. Some cage rust is expected, given the severity of the surgery. But provided that he comes back at full strength, there is no doubt that he will be firing once again.
You can stay up-to-date with the latest happenings in the world of boxing by visiting boxingblitz right here.
