Bellator Champion Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire Seeks PFL Contract Release

Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire, who holds the title of three-time Bellator featherweight champion, has requested that the PFL release him from his current contract, becoming the most recent fighter to make such a plea. This follows a similar request made earlier in December by Bellator’s bantamweight champion, Patchy Mix, who sought to terminate his contract with the promotion, citing an insufficient number of bouts. Freire, aged 37, has participated in only one fight during 2024, which occurred in March when he successfully defended his title against Jeremy Kennedy. The PFL’s acquisition of Bellator last year included a stated intention to host eight Bellator events in 2024; however, only five of these events have been held to date. Freire expressed his sentiments on X, stating, “As far as PFL providing everyone 2 fights this year, I really hope that’s what’s gonna happen and not because many more will be cut,” and added, “I want PFL to succeed, it’s good for the sport and for fighters.” He concluded his message by saying, “That said, I want to leave right away. Can we agree to it this week?” In a related development, former Bellator middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi was released from his PFL contract in May, following his complaints regarding insufficient fight opportunities. The Brazilian fighter, who first competed in Bellator in 2010, boasts a professional record of 36 victories out of 43 bouts.