New Horizons for Patricky Freire

Patricky Freire always aims high.

The former Bellator MMA lightweight champion will make his Professional Fighters League debut opposite Clay Collard in a featured PFL 2 attraction this Friday inside The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. It represents Freire’s first step toward a potential $1 million payday at the conclusion of the 2024 season in the new-look PFL. No matter how the campaign ultimately unfolds, “Pitbull,” now 38, sounds like a man who has grown comfortable in his own skin.

“I’m very happy with my accomplishments,” Freire said. “I have several knockout wins. I’ve had several excellent fights—fights which were exciting for fans of MMA. I never have slow or boring fights. I always give my best in the cage. I’ve had a beautiful career, and it’s going to continue to be so. I still have the hunger to be champion. Now in the PFL with new opponents. I’m very motivated.”

Collard figures to be a difficult first hurdle to clear. However, the 2023 PFL lightweight finalist finds himself on the rebound following back-to-back losses to Olivier Aubin-Mercier and A.J. McKee. Collard lost a five-round decision to Aubin-Mercier in November, then submitted to an armbar from McKee just 70 seconds into their encounter on Feb. 24.

“He’s an exciting opponent,” Freire said. “He always has good fights with a strong rhythm, but I think I’m much more dangerous and complete. I can KO or submit you. I have several weapons, both standing and on the ground. I have greater KO power. I’m focused on my own game. I’ll impose my game and break him in half. He’s an exciting fighter, but I’m not focused on what he does. It’s going to be an interesting fight. It’s a good style matchup for me. The fans will love it.”

Should Freire get past Collard, the stakes will only rise as his first season in the PFL progresses. The Brazilian has won nine of his past 13 bouts but has not suited up since he dropped a unanimous decision to Alexandr Shabliy in the semifinals of the Bellator lightweight grand prix on Nov. 17. Freire welcomes the challenges that await him.

“I feel great,” he said. “I feel very healthy and able to keep on fighting. I can train hard on equal terms with anyone. I’ll be in this sport for a long time still. It’s a difficult and dangerous sport. It saddens me that altogether I’ve lost years of my career due to injuries. I’m about to face another tough fighter, but I’m confident in my game.

“Everyone wants the $1 million dollar prize,” Freire added. “I have a gigantic opportunity in front of me. I’m very confident and motivated that I’ll win this tournament. It’s a lot of money, and with it being American dollars, that’s even better since that’s worth five times more in Brazil.”