5 Things You Might Not Know About Patricio Freire

Over the years, while fight fans turned their gaze towards the electrifying world of MMA, with the Ultimate Fighting Championship dominating the spotlight from its Las Vegas home base, out west in San Jose, Calif., Bellator MMA started its quiet but resolute march. For much of its existence, Bellator has been renowned as the second-largest entity within the American MMA landscape, while concurrently fostering a fervent global fanbase. In the thick of that ascent, the organization witnessed the rise of a star, Patricio Freire, who along with several other popular figures on the roster, helped Bellator MMA affirm its prominence as a powerhouse in the global arena.

“Patricio Pitbull” is a three-time Bellator featherweight champion, the former Bellator lightweight champion, and the younger brother of lightweight fighter Patricky Freire. Widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters never to have fought in the UFC, he is scheduled to defend his title against Jeremy Kennedy on March 22, at Bellator 302 on short notice. Ahead of that clash, let’s take a look at five things that you might not know about the Brazilian.

“Brazilian Brave and the Rise of Pitbull”

In the heart of Natal, Brazil, where street skirmishes were commonplace, Freire, who was born into a military family, discovered his passion in a divergent discipline - martial arts. He came of age in a milieu where bravery and fortitude held sway. His father, Lucilio Jose Freire, recognized martial arts as a conduit to inculcate discipline in his kids and shield his family within a nation frequently besieged by turmoil.

A Family’s Resilience in Adversity

His formative years were painted with perilous incidents punctuated by acts of heroism by his parents. At the age of five, his family home was invaded by six gunmen. Acting swiftly, Freire’s father directed his mother to arm herself to protect the children from the intruders. His mother managed to shoot one of the intruders in the eye, and the Freire family escaped the situation unscathed. Reflecting on his mother’s act of courage, the 36-year-old labels her a tough lady.

This defining moment left a lasting impact on the future Bellator star. Following the chilling encounter, the family received a letter from the gang threatening to invade again with 40 criminals. Luckily for them, they never came back and the family moved on with their lives.

In the School of Hard Knocks

Early in his career, as a teenager, Freire got the opportunity to train with MMA icons like Wanderlei Silva and Mauricio Rua in the Chute Boxe camp in Brazil. With that, the maxims of toughness and aggression of the legendary gym were carved deep into his character.

A Heartfelt Promise to God

Ahead of his third fight against Daniel Straus, the Brazilian made a heartfelt promise to God. He vowed that he would be content losing his featherweight championship if it guaranteed his unborn son, Davi, arrived safely. He had endured the pain of a previous miscarriage with his wife Teresa. His coach Eric Albarracin forged a deep relationship with his pupil and in subsequent fights, advised him against thinking about making that promise again.

Unlocking Potential through Meticulous Monitoring

As Freire advances into his 30s, he has shed the mentality of a raw fighter and has undergone a significant transformation in training, focusing on meticulous attention to his body’s physiology. In that, every aspect of his regimen, from sleep patterns to nutrition to MMA training is properly tracked and analyzed. His heart rate is measured, an app determines his readiness for the day’s training based on predetermined metrics, making room for adjustments as and when required. Even his meals are carefully curated, and tailored to his demands, ensuring his body is primed for optimal performance.