Both “Pitbull” brothers have signed multi-fight, multi-year extensions to remain with Bellator, the California-based promotion. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.
“When I think about the talent on the Bellator roster, the Pitbull brothers are two of the fighters that immediately come to mind,” said Bellator President Scott Coker in a release. “They started early on in their careers here, have climbed to the top of their respective divisions and have come to represent what this promotion is all about. I’m thrilled that we’ll continue to see them compete inside the Bellator cage for our fans around the world for many years to come.”
Patricio Freire, 31, is scheduled to move up to 155 pounds to face reigning lightweight champion Michael Chandler on May 11 in Chicago. The featherweight king is currently on a three-fight winning streak that includes successful 145-pound title defenses against Daniel Weichel and Emmanuel Sanchez. He is 16-4 during his promotional tenure.
“There are a lot of people on the Bellator roster I want to put my hands on – the first on the list, I’m fighting on May 11, so renewing made perfect sense for me,” Patricio said. “I’m happy with the agreement and the plans for the future. Of all the fighters currently active on the promotion, I’m with Bellator the longest and the most successful. I plan to set that bar even higher. For years, I said I’d become the number one in the world here.’If anyone still has any doubt, keep an eye on the next chapters.”
The 33-year-old Patricky Freire is currently on a five-bout winning streak and is coming off a split-decision triumph over Ryan Scope at Bellator “Newcastle” on Feb. 9. He owns the Bellator records for most fights (21) and KO/TKO victories (10).
“Bellator is growing and so am I,” Patricky said. “I’m in the best moment of my career and the same can be said of the promotion with the quality of shows, the new TV deals and names under the roster. I’ve set the goal of becoming world champion and setting records. I already am the fighter with most finishes and fights in the organization and I don’t plan to let anyone catch up with me. I have grudges to settle and names to add to my belt. If things line up well, I’m looking at making noise in three weight classes in the near future, so expect the best of me. I’m glad to have reached a new agreement with Bellator and very excited for the new things to come.”