On Tuesday, Donn Davis, the owner of the Professional Fighters League, made a statement. He granted Patricio Pitbull what appears to be his unconditional release.
How Did Pitbull Wind Up Getting His Release From the PFL?
On the same day the PFL issued a statement about their removal of the Bellator brand from its main rotation of events and title designations, Pitbull took to social media with his latest anti-PFL rant.
Pitbull used the UFC’s recent release of Holly Holm as an example of how an organization should treat a legend of the sport. Pitbull did what was best for him, and he got what he wanted. It was smart for him to put pressure on the PFL, and it was subsequently wise for the PFL to rid themselves of the negative element Pitbull had become.
Pitbull is Expected to Sign With the UFC
As it stands, most expect Pitbull to land with the UFC. He has made it clear that’s where he would like to be. Dana White was asked about the potential of Pitbull joining his organization, and he seemed open to the concept, though he didn’t speak specifically about the Brazilian legend.
At 37 years old, it seems unlikely Pitbull will go on a tear that would lead to him becoming a UFC world champion. However, he is as tough and respected as they come in mixed martial arts.
Based on his reputation and aura, he could have some fun fights with the UFC over the next three years.
5 Ideal Opponents for Pitbull in His UFC Debut
Michael Chandler
Like Pitbull, Chandler is a former Bellator champion and legend with the promotion. They never fought while both were with the organization, mostly because Pitbull is a featherweight and Chandler a lightweight.
That said, is it out of the realm of possibility for Pitbull to fight at 155 pounds? If not, this fight would have a special vibe because of the Bellator history, and both men bring an all-action style.
Jose Aldo
Both Aldo and Pitbull are Brazilian legends. At one point, this was a dream fight we thought we’d never see because Aldo was a UFC champion and Pitbull a champ in Bellator.
Aldo would have to come back up to featherweight, but that wouldn’t seem like a major issue for him. If Pitbull lands with the UFC, this fight seems like a no-brainer.
Max Holloway
Holloway’s next fight will be his debut as a full-time lightweight. Again, Pitbull would have to come up in weight, but in this instance, he’d be doing it against a fellow legend who has spent the majority of his career at 145 pounds.
Pitbull’s team has suggested he would covet the BMF title. How good of a BMF Title fight would this be?
Alexander Volkanovski
Pitbull has already called Volkanovski out.
Volk has a championship on his mind, and it feels like he is in line to get another crack at Ilia Topuria when he returns. However, if Volk doesn’t get the rematch with Topuria, he might be the perfect guy to welcome Pitbull to the UFC.
Cub Swanson
Swanson flirted with retirement after his highlight-reel KO of Billy Quarantillo in December 2024, but he seemed open to another fight if it was against an intriguing opponent.
Pitbull would seemingly qualify. If Pitbull comes in and handles Swanson impressively, it might be enough to land a spot in the featherweight rankings. If he loses to Swanson, it’ll tell the UFC something about where he is at this stage of his career. In any case, this fight could be epic.
Bonus – Josh Emmett
I decided to add Emmett as the last and perhaps most practical option. Emmett is looking to make a statement so he can restart his ascent up the featherweight rankings, and I’m sure Pitbull would like to start his UFC career off as a ranked fighter.
A win would put Pitbull a win or two away from a title shot, and that’s got to be an attractive concept for him.
