Donn Davis fires back at Patricio Pitbull’s union talk: “PFL is about opportunity”

Patricio Pitbull has not been happy with his inactivity since the PFL acquired Bellator in November 2023, aiming at the promotion's chairman Donn Davis on multiple occasions. He recently made it clear that he wishes to be released from his contract due to his inability to get fights scheduled.

Davis fired back on Tuesday by granting Pitbull's wishes and announcing that the promotion would release him. The PFL founder took to X, stating:

"We are releasing @PatricioPitbull @PFLMMA is all about opportunity I founded this company to create new great opportunities for top fighters PFL has and will continue to do that for all top fighters who want to be here #PFLMMA"

Check out Donn Davis' post on releasing Patricio Pitbull from his PFL contract below:

Pitbull's career had largely been on hold since the PFL acquired Bellator. He has competed just once in the time since, defeating Jeremy Kennedy via third-round TKO at Bellator Champions Series 1 in March 2024. It marked his ninth featherweight title defense across three reigns since making his promotional debut at Bellator 15 in 2010.

The PFL announced that the Bellator name and brand would cease to exist on Monday. Pitbull is the most decorated fighter in the promotion's history. It is unclear where he will land after being granted his free agency.

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Patricio Pitbull had targeted Francis Ngannou before being granted his release

Patricio Pitbull aimed at Francis Ngannou, calling out the PFL Super Fights heavyweight champion for his silence amid the fighters' ongoing contract disputes. He took to X, stating:

"Hey @francis_ngannou are you aware of all the absurd things PFL is doing to fighters and putting on the new contracts? Will you ever speak up for us? I’m thinking it’s time we start a PFL Fighters Union. What do you think?"

Check out Patricio Pitbull's tweet to Francis Ngannou below:

Ngannou joined the PFL in May 2023 and was added to the promotion's global advisory board as an advocate for fighters' interests. Pitbull had voiced his displeasure with the promotion's tactics, claiming that they lacked respect for the fighter's contracts.

Pitbull accused the promotion of forcing fighters to take pay cuts, making it impossible for fighters to become free agents, and ignoring fighters and their managers. The situation, which has been brewing for months, appears to have finally reached its conclusion following Pitbull's release from the PFL.