Patricio Pitbull calls out Francis Ngannou over PFL contract issues: "Will you ever speak up for us?"

Patricio Pitbull has been largely shelved since the PFL acquired Bellator in November 2023. He has competed just once since, defeating Jeremy Kennedy to defend his Bellator featherweight title for the ninth time across three reigns at Bellator Champions Series 1 in March 2024.

The most decorated fighter in Bellator promotional history has voiced his concerns with his inactivity, calling out the PFL multiple times for his lack of fights. He recently took aim at Francis Ngannou, calling out the PFL Super Fights heavyweight champion - who was added to the promotion's global advisory board to advocate for fighter interests. Pitbull took to X on Tuesday, tweeting:

"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:

Pitbull has voiced his displeasure with the PFL, noting that he hopes to be released from his contract. He had been signed with Bellator since 2010, making his promotional debut at Bellator 15. It was announced on Monday that the Bellator name and brand would cease to exist.

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Patricio Pitbull calls out PFL amid contract dispute

Patricio Pitbull fired off a series of tweets taking aim at the PFL on Tuesday. The former three-time Bellator featherweight champion and Bellator lightweight champion took to X, stating:

"Self called co-leader in MMA and fighters first organization is cutting a bunch of fighters and forcing others to take pay cuts of up to 70%. No respect for fighter contracts and what they’ve accomplished."

He continued:

"The self-called fighters first organization is also changing its contracts so it’s almost impossible for fighters to be free agents and to leave on free agency. Also tying down fighters payments for many years and taking away all their leverage."

"The self-called co-leader in MMA is ghosting some fighters/managers and leaving them with no answers while the owner makes silly and disrespectful posts on social media."

Check out the tweets from Patricio Pitbull below:

Pitbull added that he signed his contract years before the sale of Bellator was discussed. It appears that he will get his wish and be released from his contract with the PFL, having never fought for the promotion. It remains unclear where he will land, however, he is widely considered among the greatest fighters to have never competed in the UFC.