Patricky Freire gives update on health after Bellator 249 late withdrawal

UNCASVILLE, Conn. —Last time Patricky Freire was in town, he had a memorable experience, but not for the best of reasons.

Friere (23-9 MMA, 14-7 BMMA) was scheduled to face Jaleel Willis in the co-feature bout of Bellator 249 on Oct. 15, but he was pulled from the card just hours before the fight due to vertigo-like symptoms.

Now he’s back at Mohegan Sun Arena, where he’ll corner the other half of the “Pitbull Brothers,” Patricio Freire, in the main event of Bellator 252 as Freire defends his featherweight belt against Pedro Carvalho as part of the featherweight Grand Prix.

Patricky Freire gave MMA Junkie an update on his health Tuesday, where, ultimately, they’re still not sure what’s afflicted the lightweight standout.

“Two years ago I had a fight and a similar thing happened,” Freire said, in an interview partial done in English and partially through and interpreter. “It was strong but not quite as strong. It comes and goes, dizzy some days and not dizzy others. Pretty much. I haven’t been diagnosed with anything but it snuck up on my pretty quickly.”

Like any fighter who put in the time and effort to get to fight day and then has the rug pulled out from under them afterwards, Freire was adamant he be allowed to fight when he was first told he wasn’t cleared for his bout. In hindsight, though, he realizes the commission made the correct call in pulling him out of the fight.

“Yes, that night I said to my brother, ‘no, no please let me fight,’” Freire admitted. “I’m ready to fight, I trained, I don’t care if I’m dizzy I’ll go out and fight. But after that night I stopped and think about it and it was the correct decision. It is better for me.”

Since doctors are still trying to figure out what’s up, Freire remains in a state of limbo. Since the symptoms come and go, he puts in the training work when he feels up to it. All he can do for now as do his best to stay in shape so that when he’s cleared, he’s ready to quickly step in. Preferably against one of the higher-ranked names in his division.

“I’m continuing to train and stay in shape,” Freire said. “I’m weighing 170 pounds, trying to keep my weight down and stay fight ready. I don’t know when my next fight will be but I am continuing to stay in shape in case something comes up.”