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The Pitbull’s Global Hunt: How Patricio Freire Built a Legacy Beyond Bellator

When we talk about MMA royalty, certain names instantly come to mind – Jones, Ngannou, McGregor. But there’s another fighter who deserves his flowers: Patricio “Pitbull” Freire. The Brazilian sensation has been quietly building one of the most impressive resumes in mixed martial arts history, and I think it’s time we gave him his due.

For years, Pitbull has ruled Bellator’s featherweight division with an iron fist. But his ambitions never stopped at just one weight class or one promotion.

The Featherweight King Who Refused to Stay in His Lane

Patricio Pitbull isn’t just any champion – he’s the type of fighter who makes history look easy. His reign as Bellator’s featherweight champion has been nothing short of legendary, defending that gold against all comers with a mix of technical striking and grappling prowess that few can match.

But what separates Pitbull from other long-reigning champions is his willingness to chase danger. When most fighters talk about moving up in weight, it’s often just talk. Patricio actually did it – and against one of the scariest lightweights on the planet.

Insert image of Patricio Pitbull with both Bellator featherweight and lightweight belts here

The Night Pitbull Shocked the MMA World Against Chandler

Remember when Patricio moved up to lightweight and faced Michael Chandler? That wasn’t just any lightweight – that was CHANDLER. The same Chandler who later went to the UFC and nearly became champion, who gave Justin Gaethje the fight of the year, who dropped Tony Ferguson with perhaps the most brutal knockout in recent memory.

And what did Pitbull do? Knocked him out in the first round. Let that sink in.

It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement that Pitbull’s skills transcend weight classes. While some champions are content defending their throne against whoever comes next, Patricio was hunting for the biggest challenges across divisions.

Breaking Down the Chandler Fight: How Pitbull Made it Look Easy

Fighter	Weight on Fight Night (Est.)	Reach Advantage	Time of Finish
Michael Chandler	175+ lbs	+2.5 inches	–
Patricio Pitbull	160-165 lbs	–	1:01 of Round 1

The size difference was obvious, but Pitbull’s timing and precision made it irrelevant. A perfectly placed right hand dropped Chandler, and the follow-up was clinical. The victory earned him champ-champ status and cemented his legacy as one of Bellator’s greatest fighters ever.

The Samurai Spirit: Pitbull’s Japanese Adventure

As if dominating Bellator wasn’t enough, Patricio took his talents to RIZIN in Japan. There’s something truly special about a champion who seeks challenges across the globe. The Land of the Rising Sun has a sacred place in MMA history, dating back to PRIDE FC days, and Pitbull honored that tradition by testing himself there.

This wasn’t about money or fame – it was about legacy. About proving that his skills could translate anywhere, against anyone. It’s the same samurai spirit that drove fighters like Fedor Emelianenko to legendary status.

Insert image of Patricio Pitbull competing in RIZIN here

What Makes Pitbull’s Global Conquests So Impressive

Think about it – how many champions have we seen who refuse to leave their comfort zone? Who build their entire career in one promotion, under one ruleset, fighting similar opponents?

Patricio has:

Dominated Bellator’s featherweight division for years
Captured lightweight gold against a future UFC title challenger
Tested himself under different rules in Japan
Consistently faced the best competition available to him

I’ve covered this sport for years, and fighters with this kind of ambition are increasingly rare. Most are content to sit on their championships, taking the safest fights possible to maintain their status. Not Pitbull. He’s cut from a different cloth.

The Legacy Question: Where Does Pitbull Rank All-Time?

Here’s the million-dollar question: If Patricio Pitbull had spent his prime years in the UFC, would he be considered one of the greatest featherweights of all time? I think the answer is a resounding yes.

His technical boxing, devastating power, and high-level grappling would make him a nightmare matchup for anyone from 145 to 155 pounds. And his mindset – always seeking the toughest challenges – is what separates good champions from all-time greats.

We often get caught up in the “UFC or nothing” mentality when discussing fighter legacies. But true MMA fans know greatness isn’t confined to a single promotion. Patricio Pitbull has built a resume that deserves respect regardless of where he’s competed.

What’s Next for The Pitbull?

At 36, Patricio still competes at an elite level, but the clock is ticking on his career. Will we see him make a run in the PFL? Return to RIZIN for another challenge? Or perhaps finally test himself in the UFC octagon?

Whatever path he chooses, one thing is certain: Patricio “Pitbull” Freire has already secured his place in MMA history as one of the most accomplished champions ever to lace up the gloves.

The next time you’re discussing the all-time greats, make sure his name is part of the conversation. He’s earned it.