UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Patricio Freire battles Pedro Carvalho at Bellator 241 on Friday, but win, lose, or a draw, the war seemingly has just begun.
At Monday’s news conference in New York, there was no love lost between Team Pitbull Brothers and SBG Ireland. The rivalry had been built in recent months after some back-and-forth on social media.
On Wednesday, Freire explained the origin of the rivalry between the Brazilian and Irish powerhouse gyms.
“The origins of the beef started with Leandro Higo calling out an up-and-comer named James Gallagher,” Freire told MMA Junkie through an interpreter. “He never responded, so I decided to retweet what Leandro tweeted. Then James Gallagher realized he can get more visibility on Twitter beefing (with) Patricio. Then Patricky retweeted. Then Peter Queally got involved in the Twitter beef. That’s kind of how it all started.
“Now I’m fighting Pedro Carvalho. My brother is fighting Queally. Hopefully, Leandro Higo can get that fight with James Gallagher, and we can have all three Pitbulls across the board fighting SBG. We’ve got a great war upon us.”
Overall, Freire (30-4 MMA, 18-4 BMMA) likes his team’s chances in their respective fights. He’ll take on Carvalho (11-3 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) on Friday in a featherweight grand prix quarterfinal. His brother, Patricky Freire takes on Peter Queally in October.
“We’re ready,” Freire said. “These guys have been talking a lot of (expletive). We’re going to make them respect us inside the cage.”
Pitbull Brothers Gym isn’t the only entity Freire is fighting for on Friday. In the lead-up to Bellator 241, Freire’s wife gave birth to their second son. While it was not an unexpected event, Freire said his wife’s postpartum depression presented some challenges – but they were able to get through it.
“It was tough, but it was expected my son was going to be born right before the fight,” Freire said. “The problem was that my wife had postpartum depression, so there was difficulties leading up to the fight. We’re here, and we’re ready.”
“… Before I used to fight for me. Now I’m fighting for the future of my family, my gym, my coaches. There’s a lot more on the line for this fight against SBG.”
How does Freire plan on winning Friday night? He’s not sure.
“I’m still deciding,” Freire said.
Bellator 241 takes place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card streams on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.
Check out MMA Junkie’s full Bellator 241 pre-fight interview with Freire in the video above.
Ahead of Bellator 241, Patricio Freire details SBG Ireland rivalry: 'We've got a great war upon us'