One of the greatest fighters never to compete in the UFC is about to change that.
"Pitbull" is headed to the UFC. Patricio Freire has signed with the promotion and will debut vs. Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314 on April 12. The event takes place at Kaseya Center in Miami.
Freire (36-7 MMA, 0-0 UFC) 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.
Rodriguez (19-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC) has not competed in the UFC since a February 2024 submission loss to Brian Ortega. The bout was his second in a row, as he previously lost a title unification bout to Alexander Volkanovski in July 2023.
Until January, Freire was 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. Both of those wishes have since 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."