Patricio Pitbull’s Release Request Led to a New Start
Patricio “Pitbull” Freire received his release from PFL on January 14, 2025, after publicly asking to leave. The former Bellator featherweight champion’s departure opened the way for his UFC debut against Yair Rodríguez in Miami three months later.
Inactivity drove the public disagreement
Freire had criticized his limited opportunities following PFL’s purchase of Bellator. During December 2024, he reiterated his desire to leave, including a direct social-media exchange with PFL chairman Donn Davis.
He had competed just once during 2024, stopping Jeremy Kennedy in the third round in Belfast. The result preserved his Bellator featherweight championship, but the subsequent wait became central to his complaints about the arrangement.
The release ended a major promotional chapter
Davis announced that PFL was releasing Freire, and a promotion official confirmed the decision. Freire left with a career built around multiple Bellator championship reigns and victories over leading opponents.
Those achievements included wins against Michael Chandler, Pat Curran and A.J. McKee. The move offered a new competitive setting after a long association with the promotion where he had established that championship record.
Rodríguez won the eventual UFC debut
Freire faced Rodríguez at UFC 314 on April 12, 2025, at Kaseya Center. Rodríguez won the three-round featherweight contest by unanimous decision, with every judge returning a 30–27 score.
The result gave Freire an unsuccessful first UFC appearance after securing the release he had requested. His move was complete, while a victory in the new promotion remained a separate competitive challenge.
Sources
- MMA Fighting: December release request and exchange with Davis
- Sherdog: confirmed release, Kennedy result and Bellator achievements
- UFC: Rodríguez result, date and venue
