The UFC is set to deliver fireworks at UFC 314 with a blockbuster showdown between former Bellator champion Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire and former interim 145lbs champ Yair Rodriguez. With the featherweight division undergoing a seismic shift with Ilia Topuria’s departure, this clash of elite talents couldn’t come at a better time. This isn’t just about fight IQ or game plans. Physical attributes like height, reach, and walk-around weight could also play a massive role in determining who gains the upper hand. Rodriguez has long been known for his unorthodox striking and creative movement, but he’s coming into this fight with two straight losses and a 26-6-0 record that’s starting to show signs of wear. Still, his experience in the UFC against top-tier opponents is no small asset.

On the other side, Freire enters the UFC Octagon for the first time with a resume that speaks volumes. A two-division champion in Bellator and a respected name through his cross-promotional bout in Rizin, Pitbull has fought killers his whole career. With so much on the line and both men seeking redemption, the smallest advantages—be it reach, weight, or height—could tip the scale. So, let’s get into it!

Yair Rodriguez vs. Patricio Pitbull height and reach comparison

Let’s talk numbers—because they often paint a clear picture of who might have the upper hand. Yair Rodriguez and Patricio Freire are both seasoned fighters, each bringing a unique arsenal into the cage. While ‘Pitbull’ hasn’t competed in the UFC, the promotion has compiled his stats based on his extensive performances in Bellator and other organizations. So, let’s break down the technical aspects to see who could come out on top.

‘El Pantera’ is known for his elite striking game, built on a strong taekwondo foundation (black belt in the discipline) that fuels his explosive kicks. Standing at 5’11”, Rodriguez holds a clear height advantage over Freire, who stands at 5’5”. When it comes to reach, Rodriguez extends to 71 inches, while ‘Pitbull’ comes in at 65.5 inches. That six-inch difference is no small gap—it gives Rodriguez the ability to strike from range without getting into the pocket.

Freire, on the other hand, will need to close the distance to land significant strikes—something that’s far more dangerous against a dynamic striker like Rodriguez. Staying on the outside would only make him a moving target for Yair’s wide variety of kicks and long-range attacks. Now that we’ve looked at their physical dimensions and striking dynamics, let’s dive into another crucial element: their walk-around weight.

Who weighs more, Rodriguez or Pitbull?

According to a Reddit user named @The1who_knocks, ‘El Pantera’ cuts 30 pounds, though it wasn’t specified whether that’s from the start of training camp or during fight week. The user got the information from a USA Today interview with the fighter and noted that 30 pounds is a significant amount to cut. However, the fighter reportedly said it was an easy weight to cut. Back in 2022, before his fight with Brian Ortega, he posted, “Weight came down easily and made 145.4 pounds. Special thanks to @the_angry_dietitian for guiding me on the last steps for my weight cut and recovery.”

On the other hand, the Bellator double champ tipped the scales at 134.5lbs for his bantamweight debut against reigning champion Sergio Pettis, as reported by the BBC. Surprisingly, he called it “the easiest weight cut of his career”—even easier than when he fought at featherweight (145lbs) and lightweight (155lbs). However, the 30-7-0 veteran revealed to the New York Post that he walked around 175lbs when out of camp and around 160lbs for a featherweight bout on fight night.

Pitbull brings a wealth of experience into the cage, which could give him a real edge despite potentially being outsized in height and reach compared to Rodriguez. So the question is—will Pitbull’s veteran savvy and power be enough to overcome those physical disadvantages? Or will Rodriguez keep him at bay and use his reach to outpoint the legend? What do you think? Drop your predictions for this UFC 314 bout in the comments below!