Photo via Patrik Pietila's Tapology page
Patrik Pietila on return bout vs Usman Nurmagomedov at Bellator 269
Patrik Pietila versus Usman Nurmagomedov is a 160 lb catchweight affair that is set to go down at Bellator 269. It all emanates from VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia, and broadcasts on Showtime.
Pietila looks for his first Bellator MMA victory in his sophomore effort under the promotional banner. As he looks to hand the undefeated Nurmagomedov his first defeat as a professional.
Usman has posted up a 13-0 record so far as a pro and he tests skills against the Finnish fighter who enters the cage for his twentieth pro mixed martial arts contest.
Patrik Pietila has showcased his personal brand of fistic fireworks on circuits like Superior Challenge, M1, FNF, Cage, and Shooto Finland.
I spoke with Patrik Pietila ahead of this prizefight at the Bellator 269 virtual media day. The excerpts of our press interaction is below.
Patrik Pietila
The excitement of returning to competing in MMA after a couple of years out of the cage
“Yeah, man. It’s been two years off and in the combat sports when you get more age it doesn’t feel good. So, I’m really happy and excited to get finally back in the fight game. The fighting is what I love to do. So training, only training for maybe an upcoming fight, it’s been tough. But now when I got the fight, I’m really excited to perform in Bellator.”
If this being a 160 lb catchweight could affect his rankings inclusion should he beat ranked lightweight Nurmagomedov (who currently sits at number seven in the rankings)
“Well, I don’t know. I just love to fight. I’m going into there and we just went up. If they want to put me in top 10, I will take it of course. But I just wanna get back in the fighting game. So I’m so excited to have this opportunity.”
