Recently-released Patricio Pitbull answers if he is planning to hold talks with another promotion besides Dana White's UFC

Former two-division Bellator world champion Patricio Pitbull is one of the most sought-after free agents after his recent release from his PFL contract. Considered to be one of the pound-for-pound best fighters to have never fought in the UFC, it's safe to speculate that Patricio Pitbull (real name Patricio Freire) will be getting a call from the premiere MMA organization soon.

In an interview segment with Ariel Helwani, Pitbull shed light on the possibility of finally working for the UFC, saying:

"[Translated] If I were to talk with someone else, I would stay in PFL. The entire reasoning for all this is to go to the UFC. So that's what I'm planning."

Check out Patricio Pitbull's comments below:

Pitbull is the second-ever simultaneous Bellator world champion, holding both the promotion's featherweight and lightweight titles. He is a three-time Bellator featherweight champ and a one-time lightweight titleholder. His legendary featherweight run saw him defend his throne nine times. He is also the first fighter in Bellator history to have four separate world title reigns.

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Patricio Pitbull released from PFL contract after contentious comments on the organization's treatment of fighters

The recent release of Patricio Pitbull from his PFL (Professional Fighters' League) contract goes deeper than simply a parting of ways between a fighter and a fight promotion. PFL, which purchased Bellator in 2023, owns the contracts of the now-defunct American promotion.

Pitbull accused PFL of not honoring Bellator fighters' contracts, which included guaranteed two fights per year. PFL co-owner Donn Davis refuted this claim in an X post, saying:

"PFL has ALWAYS provided all fighters 2 fights a year… When we acquired Bellator THEY had ZERO fight events scheduled for their Bellator 210 fighters in 2024. @PFLMMA stepped in and we did good job in 2024 … In 2025 again ALL our fighters will have 2 fights a year. #PFL"

Pittbull replied to this statement, saying:

"Bellator is PFL’s property, many fighters didn’t fight a single time and many like me only fought once. You said you’d honor everyone’s contracts and give them two fights this year. You didn’t. You cut over 70% of the roster and had many renegotiate their pay."

A few more back-and-forths of posts between Davis and Pitbull later, which included a call-out to Francis Ngannou by the former champion, we saw the PFL co-owner ultimately announcing Pitbull's release, saying:

"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"