“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.”
“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, 37, 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.”
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Dana White acknowledged Freire in a post-event news conference days later. Freire will be allowed to speak with the UFC and other promotions, subject to matching rights, according to details relayed from Davis to Ariel Helwani.
Freire has yet to comment publicly since news of his release.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: ‘Pitbull’ off the leash: PFL announces Patricio Freire released from contract, free to speak with UFC
