Patricio Pitbull expressed his anger towards Donn Davis and the PFL over recent changes to the league’s format and Bellator’s closure, criticizing the organization’s treatment of fighters, contract practices, and calling for a fighters’ union, leading to his eventual release.
Patricio Pitbull is absolutely livid with Donn Davis and the PFL. The MMA league’s recent changes and Bellator’s demise have sparked his fury.
It’s no secret: Pitbull’s relationship with Davis is on the rocks. He’s publicly asked for a release multiple times. Now, with the PFL shaking things up and Bellator shutting down, Pitbull’s not holding back.
“Self-called co-leader in MMA,” he tweeted, “cutting fighters and slashing pay by 70%.” Ouch. That’s just the start.
Contracts are changing too. Pitbull claims it’s nearly impossible to become a free agent now. Fighters’ payments are tied down for years, stripping their leverage.
And get this—some fighters and managers are left in the dark, while silly posts pop up on social media from the owner. Ghosting at its finest?
Pitbull’s been with Bellator since 2010. He’s a legend there, three-time featherweight champ, even held lightweight gold once. Seeing Bellator end? A tough blow for him.
He blames Viacom execs for sabotaging Bellator before selling it to folks who didn’t care. “RIP @BellatorMMA,” he mourned.
From Bjorn Rebney’s era to Coker/Kogan times—Pitbull’s seen it all. Contracts were once fair; now, they’re a nightmare.
PFL promised freedom but instead locked fighters down legally, making it hard to leave. Retained people, lost values.
Recently, Pitbull spoke with Davis and PFL CEO Peter Murray. Unfair business dealings? He thinks so. Silence broken.
“You wanna know why I’ve been silent?” he asked. Promised a fair deal, got nothing but fake news about his contract.
Donn’s tweets tested his patience. But after Murray ghosted him post-Bellator’s death, he couldn’t stay quiet anymore.
Pitbull even reached out to Francis Ngannou about forming a fighter’s union. Could be time for change?
He pointed to UFC’s treatment of Holly Holm as an example of honor. Big orgs know how to handle veteran releases right.
PFL contracts? A maze of low pay and long ties. Fighters trapped in never-ending deals, far below UFC standards.
Since last week, silence from PFL on texts. Now Pitbull waits for answers—he expects some soon.
His contract was signed before Bellator’s sale, when ratings were strong and worth was clear. What changed?
Tagging Francis Ngannou was strategic; he once spoke about doing what’s right for fighters in PFL.
Update: After Pitbull’s fiery comments, Donn Davis announced his release. Finally free?