Ultimatum! Patrício Pitbull asks for release from Bellator to sign with UFC- Ag. Fight – MMA, UFC, Boxing and More

The greatest fighter in Bellator history, Patrício 'Pitbull' Freire is ready to put an end to his career in the organization and move on. Unhappy with the new management of the North American event since its acquisition by the PFL, the featherweight champion (66 kg) wants to end his current contract and, if possible, sign a new commitment with the UFC.

The news is not new, as the Brazilian athlete had already publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with Bellator's new phase. But now, it seems, the champion has definitively lost his patience. In an interview with the website 'MMA Junkie', Patrício Pitbull reiterated his desire to move to the UFC and gave an ultimatum to the organization, which is now managed by the PFL.

“I want an unconditional release from my Bellator contract and face the UFC champion immediately. My contract is coming to an end, I don't have much more time with them. I have no real desire to continue fighting for them. I would rather they released me and we went our separate ways. I have been their champion for many years, more than 10 years. It's time to move on. I don't want to have problems with them. I would like to resolve this amicably. I don't want to fight publicly, I don't want to say bad things about anyone. I just want to move on. I think it’s time”, declared Patrício.

Behind recognition

In addition to dissatisfaction with the merger between Bellator and PFL, another point that weighs on the Brazilian champion's decision is public recognition. Despite his countless achievements in the Bellator cage, Patrício understands that he is undervalued by MMA fans in general, mainly because he has never performed in the most famous octagon in the world, where the best fighters usually compete.

“All the things I've done over the last two decades of my career, 15 years with Bellator, as impressive as they may be, I always felt like there was a lack of attention from the media and fans because I wasn't in the UFC. I know the size of the achievements I've had, but it's not recognized by people. I think being UFC champion could consolidate all of this and authenticate everything I've done so far. I'm in the last years of my career, but I'm still very good. I'm still at the peak of my condition and I can fight anywhere with these guys, and maybe even become UFC champion”, said the native.

Alex Poatan as an example

Patrício Pitbull's confidence, even at 37 years old, goes beyond his physical and technical capabilities inside the cage. The veteran also mirrors the trajectory followed by his compatriot Alex 'Poatan' Pereira, who, despite arriving at the UFC at an advanced age, managed to win two titles in different divisions – middleweight (84 kg) and light heavyweight (93 kg) – and continues to perform at a high level to this day, as evidenced by the 'Fighter of the Year' award at the 'MMA Oscar' he received recently.

“I like to compare myself to Alex Pereira. We were born on the same date. We are 37 years old. He's UFC champion now. I feel like I still have some good years left in me. I want to be UFC champion too. That's what I'm going to do now. I don't think there's anything left to prove to me in Bellator. It’s just a matter of everyone doing what’s best for themselves”, he concluded.

Patrício Freire, 37 years old, is an MMA veteran and one of the best Brazilian fighters in the sport. 'Pitbull' began his journey in the sport in 2004, stood out in Bellator and achieved the status of the main athlete in the organization's history. The company's featherweight champion is in his third reign at the weight and has a record consisting of 36 wins and seven losses. His most significant triumphs were over Adam Borics, AJ McKee, Daniel Straus (three times), Juan Archuleta, Kleber Koike, Michael Chandler and Pat Curran.