According to his coach, Patricio
Freire’s next two victories are money in the bank.
Currently in Miami preparing for Freire’s highly anticipated
Ultimate Fighting Championship debut at
UFC 314, coach Eric Albarracin spoke with Sherdog about his
fighter. The wrestler known as “Captain Americas” mentioned, among
other things, the high expectations set for “Pitbull” when he sets
foot in the Octagon against former interim beltholder Yair
Rodriguez. He also touched on what could lie ahead for the
Brazilian if he prevails on April 12, including facing the winner
of Alexander
Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes
headlining that same show.
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“Obviously, the UFC would not make it easy for the Bellator GOAT to make his debut,” the coach remarked.
“In my opinion, Yair is a tougher opponent than Volkanovski and
Diego
Lopes. In addition to being tall, he has an unpredictable game
based on taekwondo.”
To prepare for such a dynamic threat, Albarracin and the Pitbull
Brothers team brought in a few special talents. While he already
had his wrestling training covered, Freire shored up his boxing
with four-time world champ Brian Viloria, and further honed his
striking thanks to the tutelage of Pan-American TKD champ Sanaz
Shahbazi. These improved tools may not ultimately earn him the win,
but his grappling might.
“He’s going to take Yair down and crush him,” Albarracin stated
confidently.
For the coach, Freire winning is more “when” than “if,” and he
already has a plan in place after the victory at the Kaseya
Center.
“The GOAT of Bellator against the UFC GOAT, that’s the fight the
fans want to see, and Patricio already has a story with
Volkanovski. Five years ago, when Patricio offered a champion
cross-promotion [and bet] one million dollars [on] the winner,
Volkanovski answered by accepting. So, let’s make it happen.”
Albarracin steered into his inner professional wrestler with his
goal next Saturday, involving a prop and a heap of cash.
“I’ll take a glass briefcase with one million dollars to challenge
Volkanovski. After Patricio beats Yair, I’ll take it [out],” he
revealed.
The coach with a penchant for glasses draped with chains does not
want to look past Volkanovski’s opponent at UFC 314. He is aware
that Lopes is in this position for a reason, with all of the tools
and talent to pull off a win and shock the ex-champ.
“I truly think Volkanovski is the favorite as we could see in his
fight against Brian
Ortega. He is hard to submit. Also, he has great distance
control, but of course Lopes can surprise him. But concerning the
best storytelling, nothing could be more interesting for the fans
than the UFC GOAT against the Bellator GOAT,” Albarracin concluded.