Patricio Pitbull, a prominent Bellator fighter, is considering leaving the promotion due to dissatisfaction with its management post-merger with the Professional Fighters League and aims to join the UFC to further his legacy.
One of Bellator’s top stars might be on his way out. Patricio Pitbull, a record-holder in the promotion, is feeling disillusioned.
He’s seen it all — most fights, most wins, and multiple belts. But since Bellator merged with the Professional Fighters League, things have changed. Promised a major fight on New Year’s Eve, he’s been benched since March. Enough is enough.
“PFL guys seem a bit lost there,” Pitbull said to MMA Fighting. “Bellator feels too big for them; they don’t know how to act.” Ouch.
After knocking out Jeremy Kennedy, he was supposed to face RIZIN champ Chihiro Suzuki in Japan on Dec. 31. But no contract came. Six weeks out, training in Brazil, they told him Aaron Pico was next. Yet again, nothing materialized.
Others feel the pinch too. Leandro Higo, Pitbull’s teammate, was set to fight Patchy Mix for the bantamweight title in December. The event got postponed; now January won’t see Mix vs. Higo.
“We were left with only promises,” Pitbull lamented. “We’ve lost rhythm, part of our careers waiting. It’s tough as a champion; I need action. I’m not getting younger.” He’s talking exit strategy with his managers.
He didn’t disclose specifics of his contract but hinted it’s nearing its end. Financially secure and family fine, he’s focused on legacy over money now. Since joining Bellator in 2010, his eyes are set on the UFC.
“I have to fight in the UFC,” he declared. Confident he can hold his own there, even against champs like Ilia Topuria who he believes has exploitable weaknesses.
MMA Fighting reached out to PFL/Bellator for comments but heard crickets. Pitbull hopes they won’t block an unhappy champion from leaving.
“I’m nearing my contract’s end,” he reiterated. “Locking me up when I’m unsatisfied looks bad for them too. They know they’re wrong; I hope we can agree on my release so I can keep fighting and building my legacy.”
Gegard Mousasi had similar issues and eventually left after filing a lawsuit for $15 million. Douglas Lima aired grievances online but re-signed under less favorable terms.
“Guys like Douglas Lima or my brother Patricky faced tough choices: re-sign with pay cuts or get cut,” Pitbull shared. “Despite promises from PFL co-owner Donn Davis that this wouldn’t happen, it did.”
If released, he’d love a title shot against Topuria in the UFC right away — just like Kai Asakura facing Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 310.
If not, he’s open to facing top featherweights like Movsar Evloev or Yair Rodriguez — or even lightweight challenges.
“145 is my division,” he stated. “But I’ve fought at lightweight before.” A fight with Michael Chandler? He’d consider it.
“I can stir things up in the featherweight division,” he added confidently. “Throw me into that lion’s den.”