In a stunning turn of events, Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire, one of the most decorated fighters in Bellator history, has been released from his PFL contract and is now a free agent. This development comes after weeks of public requests from Freire for his release, including a detailed airing of grievances just yesterday.
The news was confirmed by PFL founder Donn Davis, who announced the decision on social media platform X, stating, “We are releasing @PatricioPitbull. @PFLMMA is all about opportunity I founded this company to create new great opportunities for top fighters PFL has and will continue to do that for all top fighters who want to be here.”
We are releasing @PatricioPitbull @PFLMMA is all about opportunity
I founded this company to create new great opportunities for top fighters
PFL has and will continue to do that for all top fighters who want to be here #PFLMMA
— Donn Davis (@DonnDavisPFL) January 14, 2025
A Legacy of Championship Glory
Freire, at 37 years old, leaves behind an impressive legacy in Bellator. Often considered the greatest fighter in the promotion’s history, ‘Pitbull’ dominated the featherweight division with three separate championship reigns. His versatility was further demonstrated by his capture of the lightweight title, solidifying his status as a two-division champion.
After a few conversations with PFL and Pitbull’s team I can confirm Patricio Pitbull’s release from PFL is completely unconditional, and there is no “matching rights” controversy
Pitbull is a free man 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/DKJ2yPBQTe
— Ben Davis (@BenTheBaneDavis) January 15, 2025
The Brazilian fighter’s journey with Bellator began in April 2010 at Bellator 15. Over the course of 15 years, Freire competed in an astounding 30 fights for the promotion, with the majority being title bouts. His championship pedigree is evident in his four separate title reigns and nine successful title defenses.
The Road Ahead: UFC Aspirations
Freire’s release from PFL opens up new possibilities for the veteran fighter, with the UFC being his primary target. In December, Freire expressed his desire to sign with the UFC, citing his impressive record and the types of fights he’s delivered throughout his career as reasons why the promotion would welcome him.
“I think all my numbers, all the types of fights I’ve put on in my career, I think they’d welcome me,” Freire stated. “I’d like to get the chance to showcase my skills in this great organization. I would like to jump into the shark tank. I would like to fight the top guys.”
“Now, for me, it’s about legacy. I want to fight in the UFC. That’s all.”@PatricioPitbull is ready to move on from his time in Bellator. pic.twitter.com/nYzsHr6hi2
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 16, 2024
The featherweight division in the UFC could indeed benefit from Freire’s addition. With contenders like Brian Ortega, Movsar Evloev, Diego Lopes, Alexander Volkanovski, and Yair Rodriguez already having had their shots at the title, Freire believes he could bring fresh blood to the division and create a real shakeup.
While Freire is now free to negotiate with the UFC and other promotions. UFC President Dana White has already acknowledged Freire in a recent post-event news conference, suggesting that the promotion is aware of his availability. However, as of now, Freire has yet to comment publicly on his release or his future plans.
The MMA world now watches with bated breath to see where one of the sport’s most accomplished fighters will land next. Will ‘Pitbull’ finally get his chance to prove himself in the UFC’s octagon? Or will another promotion secure the services of this decorated champion? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Patricio Freire’s next move will be one of the most closely watched stories in MMA in the coming weeks.
As the landscape of MMA continues to evolve, the release of a fighter of Freire’s caliber serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the sport. It also highlights the increasing fluidity between promotions, as top-tier talent becomes available on the open market. Whatever the outcome, fight fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire’s next chapter in his illustrious career.
