Coach: Patricio Freire’s Next Title Defense Could Be Against Adam Borics

While fans are waiting for a trilogy bout between Patricio Freire and A.J. McKee, it’s possible that featherweight contender Adam Borics may receive the next title shot against the Brazilian champion.

Borics is coming off a five-round decision win against Mads Burnell at Bellator 276 in a bout that was billed as a featherweight title eliminator by the California-based promotion. Freire’s karate coach, Mano Santana, believes a fresh face might be the next logical step for “Pitbull.”

“Patricio has cleaned out the division. It would make all the sense if Bellator gives the opportunity to Borics,” Santana told Sherdog.com.

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According to Santana, who also works with Lyoto Machida and Rodolfo Vieira, a potential change in plans could be attributed to the attitude of McKee.

"First A.J. denied [interest in] the trilogy, saying he was going up [a weight class]. Later, he changed his mind,” Santana said. “In my experience, whenever we see a fighter having such a cocky stance, the promotion normally puts them in check.”

Santana believes Borics, who has won four straight fights and 18 of 19 overall, is a good matchup for the champion.

"His kickboxing background fits well for Patricio, who practiced a lot of kickboxing before karate. Against Emmanuel Sanchez, he told me that he wanted to work more of his kickboxing game combined with karate distance control,” Santana said. “Since Borics is not so explosive, he will allow Patricio to do the same. I see a favorable match up for Patricio.”