LOS ANGELES – Bellator is proud to announce that both Patricio and Patricky Freire, better known to fans as the infamous “Pitbull Brothers,” will continue to compete inside the Bellator cage after signing exclusive multi-year, multi-fight extensions to remain with the promotion.
Fighting out of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, the brothers have become synonymous with Bellator throughout their prolific careers. Having held titles and established themselves among the elite, there are very few names that appear in the Bellator record books more often than current featherweight champ Patricio Pitbull (28-4) and his older brother Patricky Pitbull (21-8).
“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. “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!”
“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 11th, so renewing made perfect sense for me,” said Patricio. “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.”
Patricky added, “Bellator is growing and so am I. 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.”
A two-time featherweight champion, Patricio “Pitbull” has competed for the promotion 20 times – winning 16 of those outings – and has successfully defended his belt three times since reclaiming the championship at Bellator 178 against Daniel Straus. Most recently, Patricio defeated Emmanuel Sanchez, edging out his opponent via unanimous decision at Bellator 209 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Having earned a finish in 20 of his 28 wins as a professional, the reigning champion always brings an exciting style and fans can certainly expect more fireworks as he continues his run in Bellator. Patricio will now move up in weight to challenge current champ Michael Chandler for his lightweight crown in a long-awaited grudge match at Bellator’s return to Allstate Arena in Chicago on May 11.
A perennial lightweight contender since joining Bellator in 2011 at Bellator 36, the 33-year-old Patricky made an immediate impact by emphatically knocking out two true veterans of the sport and eventually competing in two tournament finals. Additionally, he holds the Bellator record for most fights with 21 and knockout wins with 10, including highlight-reel finishes over Ryan Couture and David Rickels. However, his most impressive run has come as of late, stringing together seven wins in eight bouts and winning his last five against Josh Thomson, Benson Henderson, Derek Campos, Roger Huerta and most recently against Ryan Scope at Bellator Newcastle on Feb. 9.
Please visit www.Bellator.com for more information.