Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Maki Pitolo
The UFC heads down under to a record-setting venue this weekend, where a pair of high-volume strikers will unite the 185-pound belt. Jon Litterine breaks down five key fights and makes his picks.
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Falls as favorite in UFC debut
Pitolo lost to Callan Potter via unanimous decision (28-29, 28-29, 28-29) at UFC 243 on Saturday in Melbourne, Australia.
ANALYSIS
What a disaster. Entering as one of the biggest favorites (-400) on the entire card, Pitolo was outworked by a 35-year-old journeyman. Pitolo likely won Round 1 on the judge's scorecards, but even that was a struggle. His striking defense was particularly poor and he faded as the fight progressed. Pitolo earned his UFC contract following a first round knockout win on Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series this past July. The 28-year-old did not take advantage of his opportunity.
What a disaster. Entering as one of the biggest favorites (-400) on the entire card, Pitolo was outworked by a 35-year-old journeyman. Pitolo likely won Round 1 on the judge's scorecards, but even that was a struggle. His striking defense was particularly poor and he faded as the fight progressed. Pitolo earned his UFC contract following a first round knockout win on Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series this past July. The 28-year-old did not take advantage of his opportunity.
UFC debut set
Pitolo will take on Callan Potter in a welterweight matchup at UFC 243 on Oct. 5 in Melbourne, MMAJunkie.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Pitolo picked up his third consecutive win when he knocked out Justin Sumter in the first round this past July to earn his UFC contract. A few short months later, he'll be making his first ever walk to the Octagon, where Pitolo will head into enemy territory to take on a 35-year-old Australia native. Potter was knocked out by Jalin Turner in his UFC debut, but had been on an eight-fight winning streak before dropping two of his last three.
Pitolo picked up his third consecutive win when he knocked out Justin Sumter in the first round this past July to earn his UFC contract. A few short months later, he'll be making his first ever walk to the Octagon, where Pitolo will head into enemy territory to take on a 35-year-old Australia native. Potter was knocked out by Jalin Turner in his UFC debut, but had been on an eight-fight winning streak before dropping two of his last three.
Earns UFC contract
Pitolo defeated Justin Sumter via TKO (strikes) at 1:37 of Round 1 at Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. The quick stoppage made him one of five fighters to be awarded a UFC contract at the conclusion of the event.
ANALYSIS
Pitolo is a former Bellator fighter that had been previously scheduled to fight on the Contender Series, but the fight was cancelled due to unspecified reasons. He returned in a big way Tuesday, collecting the early stoppage against a fellow Contender Series alum. It was the body shots that proved to be Sumter's undoing, as Pitolo pressed forward from the opening bell, backed Sumter against the cage and rained down shots to the midsection that crumpled the overmatched opponent. Pitolo entered this fight as a slight betting underdog (+140), but this outstanding effort showed Dana White he's ready for the UFC ranks.
Pitolo is a former Bellator fighter that had been previously scheduled to fight on the Contender Series, but the fight was cancelled due to unspecified reasons. He returned in a big way Tuesday, collecting the early stoppage against a fellow Contender Series alum. It was the body shots that proved to be Sumter's undoing, as Pitolo pressed forward from the opening bell, backed Sumter against the cage and rained down shots to the midsection that crumpled the overmatched opponent. Pitolo entered this fight as a slight betting underdog (+140), but this outstanding effort showed Dana White he's ready for the UFC ranks.