(This story was updated with new information.)
“Pitbull” is off the leash.
Patricio Freire has been released from his PFL contract and is now a free agent, according to promotion founder Donn Davis.
After weeks of Freire (36-7 MMA, 24-6 UFC) publicly asking for his release, including a lengthy airing of grievances Tuesday, the promotion has obliged.
“We are releasing @PatricioPitbull,” Davis wrote on X. “@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.”
Freire, 37, will be allowed to speak with the UFC and other promotions but may be subject to matching rights, a person with knowledge of the situation told MMA Junkie. Soon after the news broke, Freire said he was granted a full and unconditional release after communicating with PFL officials.
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.
— Patricio Pitbull (@PatricioPitbull) January 15, 2025
“Pitbull” is considered by many to be the greatest fighter in Bellator history. He predominantly competed at featherweight where he was champion for three separate stints, but also held the promotion’s lightweight title.
Freire has been with the brand since his debut at Bellator 15 in April 2010. He competed 30 times in the promotion (mostly in title fights) and was champion for four separate stints with nine title defenses.
In December, Frerie told MMA Junkie he wanted his immediate release from PFL and to sign with the UFC. Half of that wish has come true.
“I think all my numbers, all the types of fights I’ve put on in my career, I think they’d welcome me,” Freire said. “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. If I can’t get a title shot right away, give me someone who could lead me there sooner rather than later.
“We had some guys like Brian Ortega, Movsar Evloev, Diego Lopes, Alexander Volkanovski, and Yair Rodriguez, some of these guys have fought for the title already. So they won’t have much fresh names besides Diego there right now. I think bringing me there would give some fresh blood to the division and would make real shakeup over there. I’d like to prove myself against these guys and show them that I belong.”
Dana White acknowledged Freire in a post-event news conference days later.
Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.
