Jump To
Former Bellator double champion Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire is ready to make history by winning a third belt in the promotion, but that’s not even where the Brazilian intends to stop. Now just a couple of days away from his title fight against bantamweight champion Sergio Pettis at Bellator 297, Freire shares his thoughts and plans for the future even after that.
Patricio Freire eyes a fourth belt
If you think that Freire will be satisfied by writing his name in history as Bellator’s first ever triple champion, bear in mind that the Brazilian might even go for a fourth title in the new company’s newly announced flyweight division, should the right conditions appear. Although Pitbull guarantees he is entirely focused on Pettis and the bantamweight belt for the time being, the 35-year-old still holds bigger aspirations for what may come afterwards.
During a press conference for Bellator 297, Pitbull explained how he feels ahead of the fight and about the possibility of winning his third belt in the promotion. For the Brazilian breaking records and reaching new heights are his biggest motivations as an athlete, which is why a flyweight match against the division’s champion yet to be crowned is not completely out of the table for Freire.
“I’m doing well and ready to make history.” Freire told Ag Fight at Bellator’s media day. “You are going to see a much better Patricio in this fight. There are plenty of GOATS out there, but nobody has three belts. That’s the difference, but first I have to win this fight. That’s what I’m focused on. The fans like champions, but I think every fighter deserves respect. I only think expanding my records. That’s an important goal I’m trying to achieve and I guarantee you that it’s only the beginning.”
“I might even go after a fourth title. We’ll see what happens.” Patricio said. “I’m all right. If I win (my next fight) and the (flyweight) belt is still available after that, I’m in.”
Patricio Freire and his Bellator titles
Patricio Freire (35-5) first became Bellator featherweight champion in September 2014, beating Pat Curran via unanimous decision at the time. The Pitbull would go on to defend his belt twice until losing it do Daniel Straus by way of unanimous decision in November 2015. The Brazilian won the division’s belt a second time in April 2017, submitting Daniel Straus via guillotine choke.
Following the victory, the 35-year-old defended the title five more times, but lost it again to A.J. McKee via submission, in July 2021. In his next outing, the Brazilian won back the belt in April 2022, beating McKee via unanimous decision and defending the belt once again, against Adam Borics in October 2022.
During this time, Pitbull also won the Bellator lightweight belt, beating then champion Michael Chandler via TKO, in May 2019. In 2021, the Brazilian decided to vacate the title so his brother Patricky Freire could fight for it.
Watch Freire vs. Pettis at Bellator 297
Now, Freire is expected to take on Sergio Pettis for the bantamweight belt at Bellator 297’s co-main event, in Chicago, Illinois. The June 16 card is scheduled to be headlined by a light heavyweight title fight between champion Vadim Nemkov and challenger Yoel Romero.
Meanwhile, the Bellator first ever flyweight title fight is scheduled to take place on July 30 at Bellator MMA x Rizin 2. The card is set to take place at the Saitama Super Arena, in Japan and to feature Kyoji Horiguchi and Makoto Shinryu for the inaugural belt in the co-main event. The event is expected to be headlined by a quarter-final bout for the World Lightweight Grand Prix between A.J. McKee and Patricky Freire.
You know you can count on us for quick, consistent quality MMA coverage. Bloody Elbow is an independent, reader supported publication. Please subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with our best work and learn how you can support the site.
Join the new Bloody Elbow
Our Substack is where we feature the work of writers like Zach Arnold, John Nash and Karim Zidan. We’re fighting for the sport, the fighters and the fans. Please help us by subscribing today.
About the author
