If you thought Patricio “Pitbull” Freire would be jumping for joy after earning his first UFC victory, think again. The Brazilian legend may have had his hand raised at UFC 318, but the fire in his eyes says there’s unfinished business — and he’s already lining up his next target.
The longtime Bellator standout made his second walk to the UFC octagon with the weight of a previous loss hanging over him. His opponent? Dan Ige — no slouch in the featherweight division and certainly not someone you take lightly. After three gritty rounds, Freire walked away with a unanimous decision victory, bringing his record to 37-8 MMA and 1-1 in the UFC. But celebration? That wasn’t quite in the cards.
“I’m happy, but I know I can do better,” Freire admitted post-fight at the press conference. “Much respect to my opponent. Dan Ige’s a very tough guy… He’s very good, but I’m better. I proved it today.”
That quote sums up the night for “Pitbull.” Yes, he won. Yes, he showed up and handled business. But for a fighter of Freire’s caliber, just winning isn't enough — especially when you've spent years dominating in another promotion.
Let’s not forget that his UFC debut wasn’t ideal. He was thrown into the deep end, matched up against none other than Yair Rodriguez, a former interim featherweight champion, at UFC 314. That night ended in disappointment, with Rodriguez getting the unanimous decision win. No excuses from Freire, but you can tell that loss still lingers in his mind.
“I’m not very happy now – because I know I can do better,” Freire said. “I had pressure on my shoulders. I came from a defeat. Of course, I lost the April fight against Yair. He’s very good. He was a former champion, but I know I’m better than these guys.”
That’s the thing with fighters like Freire — confidence runs deep, but so does accountability. He doesn’t sugarcoat his performance. He’s not out here pretending this was the best version of himself. And he knows fans saw flashes of brilliance, but not the full display.
What Went Down at UFC 318
Let’s break it down real quick — the fight wasn’t a barnburner, but it was tactical. Freire showed solid cage control, timely takedowns, and a crisp jab that kept Ige at bay. Ige, who now holds a record of 19-10 MMA and 11-9 in the UFC, fought valiantly, but “Pitbull” was just a step ahead all night. The judges saw it 30-27, 29-28, and 30-27. Clear win. Clean decision. But for a guy who spent nearly two decades being the guy in Bellator, it felt more like a stepping stone than a highlight reel moment.
Eyes on the Future: A Bellator Reunion?
And here’s where it gets interesting. Freire isn’t just looking to rest on this win. In fact, he’s already got a name in mind — someone he’s all too familiar with from his Bellator days: Aaron Pico. That’s right. Freire wants a Bellator reunion in the UFC octagon, and he wants it fast.
Pico, who was originally booked to fight Movsar Evloev at UFC on ABC 9 on July 26, is still waiting to make his UFC debut. And if “Pitbull” has anything to say about it, Pico’s first UFC appearance will be against him.
“He’s ready, I’m ready,” Freire said. “I cut my nose now, but two days, I’m good… He can make his debut in the UFC against me. Now I’m a UFC veteran.”
Let’s pause here. How often do you hear someone say “now I’m a UFC veteran” after just two fights? That’s Freire’s mindset. He doesn’t think like a newcomer. He’s fought the best outside the UFC and believes he belongs at the top here too — no matter how recent his arrival.
More Than Just a Win — A Statement
Sure, Freire might not be satisfied with his performance, but there’s a bigger picture here. This fight wasn’t just about getting a W. It was about making a statement to UFC brass and featherweights across the roster: “I’m here. And I’m coming.”
The Brazilian warrior has built a legacy that includes featherweight and lightweight titles in Bellator, countless wars, and a highlight reel that most fighters would dream of. Now, the UFC chapter begins. And he’s not here for a paycheck or a slow climb. He wants names. He wants smoke. And he wants to leave no doubt that he can hang with — and beat — the best.
Why Aaron Pico?
It’s no coincidence that Freire is calling out Aaron Pico. The two were once stablemates in Bellator, but this potential matchup carries all sorts of intrigue. Pico, with his explosive athleticism, knockout power, and Olympic-level wrestling pedigree, is one of the most hyped prospects to come out of the Bellator system.
Pair that with Freire’s gritty experience, striking power, and veteran savvy, and you’ve got a fan-friendly showdown. It’s the kind of fight that could headline a Fight Night card or anchor a stacked pay-per-view prelims slot. And let’s be real — UFC fans love nothing more than a little organizational crossover drama.
What’s Next?
At this point, it’s unclear if the UFC will grant Freire’s wish for a fight with Pico, especially with Pico’s originally scheduled opponent still in the mix. But if the promotion is smart, they’ll lean into this narrative. The idea of two Bellator stars clashing in the UFC is marketing gold.
In the meantime, Freire is focused on healing up — though, in his words, “two days” is all he needs. That’s the kind of hunger he’s bringing into this next chapter. Not content with just being “in” the UFC, he’s determined to shake things up.
Key Takeaways:
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✅ Patricio Freire secures first UFC win over Dan Ige at UFC 318 via unanimous decision.
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😐 Despite the win, he expressed disappointment in his performance.
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🥊 Looking for a quick turnaround, Freire calls out Aaron Pico for a potential showdown.
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💬 “Now I’m a UFC veteran,” says the former Bellator champ, signaling big goals ahead.
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🎯 UFC brass should take note: Pitbull’s not here to coast — he’s here to conquer.
Patricio “Pitbull” Freire may be new to the UFC, but his confidence is anything but rookie-level. Keep your eyes peeled — because if he gets his wish, the next fight could be fireworks.
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