Bellator champion 'Pitbull' Freire asks to leave PFL

Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire is a three-time Bellator featherweight champion

Bellator featherweight champion Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire is the latest fighter to ask the PFL to release him from his contract.

Patchy Mix, Bellator's bantamweight champion, asked the promotion to terminate his contract earlier in December because of a lack of fights.

Pitbull, 37, has only fought once in 2024, defending his title against Jeremy Kennedy in March.

The PFL acquired Bellator last year, outlining a plan of eight Bellator shows in 2024, but only five have taken place.

"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," Pitbull wrote on X.

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

"That said, I want to leave right away. Can we agree to it this week?"

Former Bellator middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi was released from his contract with the PFL in May after complaining about a lack of activity.

Brazil's Pitbull, who made his Bellator debut in 2010, has won 36 of his 43 fights during his professional career.