While most MMA observers assumed UFC boss Dana White would relish the chance to sign new free agent and Bellator legend Patricio Pitbull, his response to that question on Saturday was very much the opposite.
For the last decade, no fighter was more prolific in the now-defunct organization Bellator than Brazilian Patricio “Pitbull” Freire. He owns a boatload of promotional records, was at one time a two-division champion, and will go down as the greatest fighter in the company’s history.
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When PFL acquired Bellator in 2023, his addition seemed like a major coup for the league. However, instead of joining PFL, “Pitbull” remained a Bellator fighter. The limited amount of events put on by the brand left few opportunities for fighters to compete. The 37-year-old is among several Bellator veterans who went public with their unhappiness about that late last year.
However, he was one of the few to actually get his release from the company. Most assumed he would be UFC-bound. But when asked about signing him after UFC 311, UFC CEO Dana White seemed unsure about the possibility and more interested in a different fighter.
- Patricio Pitbull record: 36-7 (12 knockouts, 12 submissions)
Would Dana White rather bring Aaron Pico to the UFC instead of Patricio Pitbull?
“I don’t know,” White said about the idea of singing Freire. “I’ll talk to the boys about that and see where we are at.”
It seems like an opportunity the company would jump at. Since “Pitbull” is seen as one of the very best fighters in the world not in the UFC. However, with him set to turn 38 this year, the promotional boss and his team may see far less value in his addition for the level of money he was making in Bellator.
- Aaron Pico record: 13-4 (9 knockouts, 2 submissions)
That might be why he and the staff could be interested in a different and younger Bellator veteran who just became a free agent.
“I definitely know the boys are interested in him,” White said about the possibility of signing Aaron Pico. The former amateur wrestling standout has been in the sport since 2017. But he is still only 28 and may just be hitting his prime as a fighter. His upside and cost may have more value in the UFC offices than the aging MMA great.
