Patricio Freire wants drop to bantamweight – and Bellator event in Brazil

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Patricio Freire’s ideal future looks quite busy.

The Bellator featherweight champion envisions plenty going on in what’s left of his fighting career. Freire (34-5 MMA, 22-5 BMMA), who defended his belt Saturday in the main event of Bellator 286, plans to drop to bantamweight at some point in the near future in hopes to become the first fighter to hold Bellator titles in three different weight classes. “Pitbull” is a former lightweight champion.

An historic move to 135 pounds may not be exactly his next move given the landscape of the division, but it’s one he’s determined to make at some point.

“The champion is hurt and the interim champion right now, it’s (Raufeon) Stots,” Freire said at the Bellator 286 post-fight press conference. “They have to do the final of the grand prix, so we have a lot of time, and we have to see what’s going to happen in this division and see which is going to be my next step. But I’m ready. I know if I ask for that, Bellator is going to give me the shot.

“Let’s do it. I want that belt.”

On top of wanting Bellator to give him a shot at the belt at bantamweight, Freire also hopes to take an event to his home country. Freire thinks it’s time for Bellator to host an event in Brazil, as they have big Brazilian names on the roster – including Freire’s brother, Patricky, who’s champion at lightweight.

“I’ve been 12 years in this organization, and I’ve defended this flag,” Freire said. “I believe it’s very important to promote a show in Brazil, a very big show. We deserve that. I’m champion. My brother is a champion. We have Cris Cyborg as champion, Douglas Lima (as a former champion) – a lot of guys. If Bellator goes to Brazil, it’s going to be big.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 286.