Bellator, PFL Veteran Patricky Freire Signs with Global Fight League

There are no longer any “Pitbull” brothers competing under the Professional Fighters League banner.

On Tuesday, Patricky Freire announced his release from the PFL, and a day later, his signing with the fledging Global Fight League become official. Freire confirmed the news following an initial report from MMAFighting.com.

The GFL is expected to launch a team-based MMA format beginning in April. The draft to select the fighters to represent each team — a pool which now includes Freire — is scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. ET. In recent weeks a number of notable former champions and veterans have been linked to the organization.

Freire competed twice for the PFL during its 2024 season, falling to Clay Collard and Bruno Miranda. The elder “Pitbull” brother was best known for a lengthy stint with Bellator MMA, where he enjoyed a brief reign as lightweight champion. During his Bellator tenure, Freire bested the likes of Benson Henderson, Josh Thomson and Roger Huerta, among others.

“Former [Bellator] lightweight champion, most wins in the lightweight division and most KOs in company history,” Freire wrote on social media. “I’ll never forget all the amazing moments I had with the organization. And a couple of fun fights [with] the PFL. I’m excited for what will be coming next.”

While Patricky Freire has presumably found his new MMA home, Patricio Freire’s next move remains to be seen. The former Bellator featherweight king was granted his PFL release week after repeatedly voicing his displeasure with the promotion.