Source: PFL Exceeded ‘Pitbull’ Freire Contractual Obligations

As far as PFL providing everyone 2 fights this year, I really hope that’s what’s gonna happen and not because many more will be cut.

I want PFL to succeed, it’s good for the sport and for fighters.

Advertisement

That said, I want to leave right away. Can we agree to it this week? (2/2) https://t.co/Zvx4NS45H8

— Patricio Pitbull (@PatricioPitbull) December 19, 2024

Patricio “Pitbull” Freire has not been happy with his current situation under the Professional Fighters League banner following its acquisition of Bellator MMA in 2023.

Over the course of several weeks, “Pitbull” has taken to social media to voice his displeasure with the lack of activity he’s seen in 2024, and has stated multiple times that he wants out of his contract to compete elsewhere.

A source with knowledge of the situation talked to Sherdog.com, and said the PFL has exceeded its contractual obligations with the 37-year-old featherweight champion. The source stated that “Pitbull” signed a contract for six fights over the course of three years that is set to expire in Spring 2025. The Brazilian has competed precisely six times during the contract, and had another two bouts fall apart when his scheduled opponents pulled out.

According to the source, the PFL feels it has not only fulfilled, but surpassed its contractual obligations, even with four more months remaining on the deal. Out of respect and in an effort to settle the differences between the parties, the source stated that the PFL recently offered him one more bout, which was described as a “massive” title fight, a contest the source said Pitbull turned down.

Freire, who confirmed his championship clause expires on May 1, 2025, denied turning down a fight when contacted by Sherdog on Dec. 24.

“I have never turned down a fight,” he said.

Bellator was rebranded as Champions Series in 2024, and Freire was on center stage back in March when he was featured in the co-main event of Bellator Champions Series Belfast. Freire defeated Jeremy Kennedy by technical knockout in Round 3, giving him 11 title fight victories during his tenure with the promotion that started at Bellator 15 in April of 2010.

Marcelo Alonso contributed to this report.