Coach Eric Albarracin Discusses UFC Future for Patricio “Pitbull,” Eyes Volkanovski Bout

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.

“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.