Patricio Pitbull has publicly expressed his desire to leave PFL immediately due to dissatisfaction with the lack of fight opportunities since PFL acquired Bellator, amidst broader concerns about the promotion’s management and financial stability.
Patricio Pitbull has a message for PFL boss Donn Davis. “I want to leave right away,” he declared on social media Thursday. Earlier this month, Pitbull demanded release from his Bellator contract. The 37-year-old is currently reigning as Bellator’s featherweight champion.
His comments were triggered by Davis addressing discontent among Bellator fighters. Many have complained about inactivity since PFL took over in November 2023. Fellow champion Patchy Mix also expressed interest in free agency.
Davis tweeted that his team did their best in 2024 to schedule fights for the Bellator roster. But Pitbull wasn’t convinced. He responded with tweets, pushing for resolution within the week.
Check out the exchange below.
PFL has ALWAYS provided all fighters two fights a year… When we acquired Bellator, they had ZERO fight events scheduled for their 210 fighters in 2024. @PFLMMA stepped in and did the best we could for them in 2024… 2025 ALL fighters again 2️⃣ fights a year! #PFL — Donn Davis (@DonnDavisPFL) December 19, 2024
Bellator is now PFL’s property, yet many fighters didn’t fight at all. Some, like me, only fought once. Promises were made to honor contracts with two fights this year. It didn’t happen. Over 70% of the roster was cut; many renegotiated pay.
As for PFL providing everyone two fights this year, I hope that’s true and not because more cuts are coming. I want PFL to succeed—it’s good for the sport and fighters. Still, I wish to leave immediately. Can we settle this week?
Pitbull last fought in March at a Bellator event in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He defended his featherweight title against Jeremy Kennedy via third-round knockout. Regarded as Bellator’s face, he’s arguably its greatest fighter.
Pitbull expressed a desire to test himself in the UFC octagon. UFC CEO Dana White was asked about him post-UFC 310 but didn’t mention specific names. He speculated that PFL and Bellator might be facing significant challenges.
“Listen, we’ve been talking a lot about the PFL recently,” White said. “They’re canceling shows; many fighters aren’t fighting. You guys know what’s going on.”
“When you see that happening, it means you’re running out of money. Things aren’t looking good; people will want to jump ship.”