Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire has just become the hottest free agent in mixed martial arts.
The three-time Bellator featherweight champion has been calling to be released from his contract for months.
Unhappy with his lack of activity, Patricio ‘Pitbull’ launched a fresh attack on his bosses on Tuesday evening.
It paid dividends as PFL co-founder Donn Davis announced Freire’s release in a brief social media statement.
Patricio Pitbull questions terms of PFL release
Davis tweeted: “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.”
‘Pitbull’ was thankful for his release, but suggested the terms of it left him somewhat tied to the PFL.
Freire replied: “As much as I appreciate an earlier termination of my deal and a waiver of the exclusive negotiation period, you are still retaining matching rights so I’m not exactly free. If you’re so kind to let me go, why not make it an unconditional release?”
Two hours later, the Brazilian fighter returned to social media with a happy update on his contract issue.
Freire revealed: “Loren Mack, @PFLMMA Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications, just called my management team and said that my release is UNCONDITIONAL.
“Thank you @DonnDavisPFL and @PeteMurrayPFL for doing what is right. I’ll be waiting for the corrected release letter.”
What’s next for MMA’s hottest free agent?
Barring a last-minute hiccup, Freire will be free to sign with a rival MMA promotion in the next few days.
‘Pitbull’ has already made his intentions clear by issuing a one-word call out to one of the UFC’s biggest stars.
“Hi,” he tweeted at former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.
‘The Great’ is yet to respond to the cryptic call out, but he is looking for an opponent to face in his comeback fight.
Volkanovski hasn’t fought since Ilia Topuria knocked him out cold to take his 145lb strap last February.
An immediate rematch with Topuria has been discussed, but if that doesn’t come off ‘Pitbull’ would be a fresh opponent that excites fans.
There’s just the not-so-small matter of agreeing terms with the UFC before Freire vs Volkanovski becomes a real possibility.