PFL’s Donn Davis Announces Patricio “Pitbull” Freire Has Been Released
By FCF Staff
After publicly criticizing the PFL for not booking him fights, and calling for his release, Patricio “Pitbull” Freire is now reportedly a free agent.
The former Bellator featherweight and lightweight champion has been openly critical of the PFL in recent weeks, over the fact he competed just once in 2024 and wasn’t booked for his next bout. On Tuesday, PFL Chairman Donn Davis announced via X that the promotion has granted Freire’s release.
We are releasing@PatricioPitbull. @PFLMMAis 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
In the preceding hours, Freire reported via social media that his release was not unconditional and the PFL reportedly retained matching rights. But in a follow-up post, Freire reported his team had been informed by PFL officials his release is unconditional.
The 37-year-old Freire (36-7) hasn’t competed since March, 2024, when he stopped Jeremy Kennedy in the third round. The decorated fighter, who is widely considered to be the greatest fighter in Bellator history, has gone 3-2 in his last 5 fights.