Patricio Freire put all his cards on the table today towards a potential rematch with Bellator featherweight king A.J. McKee.
Bellator president Scott Coker revealed today on The MMA Hour that Freire (23-10-0) vacated his lightweight belt, effective immediately.
This means that Patricky Freire (32-5-0), Patricio’s brother, will face Peter Queally (13-5-1) for the vacant lightweight belt in the main event at Bellator 270 on Nov.5 in Dublin, Ireland at the 3Arena.
“Pitbull” reigned as the champion for over two years or 877 days. He won the belt from Michael Chandler at Bellator 221 back in May 2019. He never defended it because of his involvement with the featherweight Grand Prix, which took longer to conclude due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patricio lost his featherweight crown to A.J. McKee in the Grand Prix final at Bellator 263 in July.
Honor and family come first. When I first won the LW belt it was just about revenge. It was still an honor, but with the loss at 145 I’m starting over. It’s time for the LW division to move on and for @PatrickyPitbull to have his shot. My focus is on AJ and him only. #TheMMAHour
— Patricio Pitbull (@PatricioPitbull) October 6, 2021
Queally took to Twitter to share his reaction.
Hahahhaha Jesus Christ can you actually imagine the atmosphere at this thing now!!
LFG!
WORLD CHAMPION!— Peter Queally (@peterqueally) October 6, 2021
Coker also revealed that Bellator non-title main event fights will now be five rounds as opposed to the current three round format.
