Sun Apr 13 03:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Bellator Legend Patricio “Pitbull” Freire Makes Winning UFC Debut
**Las Vegas, NV** – Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, widely considered the greatest fighter in Bellator history, successfully launched his UFC career with a dominant victory over top-5 contender Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314 this past Saturday. The fight, however, was not at UFC 314, but rather a final Bellator title defense.
Freire, a 37-year-old free agent who recently parted ways with PFL, faced Jeremy Kennedy in a highly anticipated featherweight title bout in Belfast, Ireland on March 22, 2024. Kennedy, riding a three-fight win streak and boasting a UFC record marred only by a loss to featherweight legend Alexander Volkanovski, presented a significant challenge to Freire, who was coming off back-to-back losses.
The fight was a back-and-forth affair, with Kennedy opening a cut on Freire’s forehead and controlling the clinch in the third round. However, Freire’s experience and power shone through. A massive knee turned the tide, followed by a flurry of strikes that culminated in a devastating finish. Freire unleashed a series of overhand rights, knees, and elbows, ultimately dropping Kennedy with two final knees to secure a TKO victory and retain his Bellator featherweight title. This victory marked Freire’s 24th win under the Bellator banner, a promotional record.
The win underscored Freire’s legendary status. With a career record boasting 12 wins each by submission, knockout, and decision, Freire solidified his legacy as a champion before moving on to the UFC. While this bout wasn’t his UFC debut, it served as a powerful statement as he prepares to face Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314 in his first official UFC fight. The UFC featherweight division is bracing itself for the arrival of this seasoned champion.
First Piper 