Pitbull KOs Choi at UFC 331, Calls Out Jean Silva

Patricio Pitbull scored the first knockout of his UFC career, stopping Dooho Choi in the first round at UFC 331 and immediately calling out Jean Silva afterward.

Pitbull, fighting on the main card at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, came out swinging from the opening bell and never let up. He mixed head and body shots, staggered Choi with a right hand, then closed the show with ground-and-pound at 3:28 of round one. It was the 38th win of Pitbull's career and, notably, his first finish inside the Octagon since arriving in the UFC.

Why This Knockout Matters for Pitbull's UFC Run

Patricio Pitbull needed this one. The former two-division Bellator champion had gone 1-2 since debuting in the UFC in 2025, dropping a flat decision to Yair Rodriguez, beating Dan Ige, then losing another decision to fellow ex-Bellator standout Aaron Pico. At 39 years old and ranked No. 15 at featherweight, Pitbull was fighting to prove he still belongs in title conversations, not just on the roster. A first-round finish, and his first UFC knockout, answers that question in the most emphatic way available. In the post-fight interview, Pitbull acknowledged the jump in competition level, saying the pressure of fighting in the UFC is heavier than what he felt in Bellator but that he now feels comfortable in the Octagon.

Choi came in as the buzzsaw of the featherweight division, riding three straight knockout wins over Daniel Santos, Nate Landwehr and Bill Algeo. The Korean Superboy has been part of some of the promotion's most memorable fights, including his Hall of Fame battle with Cub Swanson. None of that mattered once Pitbull found his range. Choi absorbed heavy shots trying to work his way into the fight before getting dropped and finished.

What the Jean Silva Callout Means

Pitbull wasted no time pointing at his next target, calling out Jean Silva in the cage moments after the finish. Silva has been one of the featherweight division's fastest risers, and a matchup with Pitbull would pair a veteran finally healthy and finishing fights again against a younger fighter trying to climb the same ladder. Nothing is official yet, but the callout signals Pitbull wants a ranked, momentum-carrying opponent rather than a rebuilding fight, a sign he views himself as a live threat at 145 pounds rather than a gatekeeper.

Betting Angle

Pitbull entered this fight live on the moneyline but without a finishing reputation in the UFC, and bettors who backed him to win inside the distance got paid off in the first round. Going forward, sportsbooks will likely shorten his odds in any featherweight matchup given the statement finish, especially against a durable, well-known name like Choi. If the Jean Silva fight materializes, expect the line to open close, with Silva's youth and momentum weighed against Pitbull's newly reestablished power and finishing instincts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Patricio Pitbull beat Dooho Choi at UFC 331?

Patricio Pitbull finished Dooho Choi by first-round TKO at UFC 331, dropping him with punches and finishing via ground-and-pound at 3:28 of round one.

Who did Patricio Pitbull call out after UFC 331?

Patricio Pitbull called out featherweight Jean Silva during his post-fight octagon interview following his knockout win over Dooho Choi.

What is Patricio Pitbull's UFC ranking after UFC 331?

Patricio Pitbull entered UFC 331 ranked No. 15 in the UFC featherweight division and improved his overall pro record to 38-9 with the knockout of Dooho Choi.