Patricio Freire traveled to Japan to be a cornerman, but ended up as an unexpected addition to this weekend’s second cross-promotional event with Bellator and Rizin.
Patricio was supposed to be playing the role of a coach in his brother Patricky’s corner, who competes in the main event of Bellator X Rizin 2 Saturday against Roberto de Souza, a short-notice replacement for A.J. McKee. However, after a few conversations with promotion officials, he will be stepping into the ring to compete.
Freire (35-6 MMA) competed just over a month ago at Bellator 297, where he lost a bantamweight title fight by unanimous decision to champ Sergio Pettis. It was a bid for dual champion status, as “Pitbull” holds the Bellator featherweight title. It was also an opportunity to make history as the first fighter to win a major title in three weight classes in the same promotion.
“I’ve been training since my last fight, so I didn’t stop training. I’m always ready,” Freire told reporters at a Bellator X Rizin 2 news conference Thursday evening. “… I was supposed to be in my brother’s corner, but you guys got me to fight, and I love to fight here. So, thank you very much.”
According to Bellator president Scott Coker, Freire initially didn’t accept the fight. However, things changed when Rizin president Nobuyuki Sakakibara was able to convince “Pitbull” to step into the ring. It will be the first time the Pitbull Brothers have fought on the same card since 2007.
On just a few days’ notice, Freire will attempt to bounce back into the win column by taking on a catchweight fight at 154 pounds against Chihiro Suzuki (10-3 MMA) Sunday at Super Rizin 2, which takes place after the Bellator X Rizin 2 card at Saitama Super Arena. It will be his third straight fight at a different weight, as his last two bouts were at bantamweight and featherweight respectively.
A champion shifting weight classes so often is not something typically seen in the sport, especially when their upcoming fight was preceeded by a bout essentially two weight classes lower. But for “Pitbull,” the weight isn’t a concern, as long as the fight itself piques his interest and will test his skills as a fighter.
“Doesn’t matter the division,” Freire said. “I like challenges. I was here as a corner, but now I’m going to fight. So, if the challenge is good, I’m going to fight.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator x Rizin 2.