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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Erickson and Ken Hathaway

Maki Pitolo: ‘I feel like an animal’ at middleweight after UFC 250

LAS VEGAS – Maki Pitolo beat Charles Byrd with a second-round TKO Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC 250 in Las Vegas.

Take a look inside the fight with Pitolo, who picked up his first victory in the UFC.

Result: Maki Pitolo def. Charles Byrd via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:10
Updated records: Pitolo (13-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Byrd (10-7 MMA, 1-3 UFC)
Key stat: Pitolo outlanded Byrd 33-16 and also hit three takedowns.

Pitolo on the fight’s key moment

“I’m super happy. It was everything that we worked for.”

Pitolo on fighting at middleweight

“I feel really good. I feel like myself. Cutting to 170, even when I rehydrated back up and you get the 24-hour period to rehydrate and come back up, it still felt like something was missing. (At) 185, perfect cut – I feel like an animal at this weight. The cards played out correct and I feel phenomenal at 185. It was awesome to come back to the (UFC) Apex and do it here and get my first (UFC) win.”

Pitolo on what he wants next

“I have no name in mind. Anyone, anytime: Your boy is ready.”

To hear more from Pitolo, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

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