Patricio “Pitbull” Freire isn’t done just yet. The former Bellator two-division champion is set to return to the Octagon this summer for his second UFC appearance—this time in a high-stakes featherweight clash against Dan Ige at UFC 318 on July 19 in New Orleans.
Pitbull’s UFC debut didn’t go as planned. After a long, decorated run in Bellator, he stepped into the cage at UFC 314 and took on Yair Rodríguez, a former interim titleholder, in a tough first matchup. He lost via unanimous decision, snapping a four-fight win streak that dated back to his redemption win over AJ McKee in their Bellator rematch.
At 37 years old, and with an already stacked resume, there was some speculation that Pitbull’s UFC run could end before it even really began. But the legend isn’t looking to fade quietly. After a rocky exit from the PFL and a high-profile signing with the UFC, he’s back with something to prove—and he’s not easing into it.
Dan Ige is no tune-up fight. He’s riding the momentum of wins over Nate Landwehr, Damon Jackson, and Andre Fili, and he’s carved out a solid name for himself in the UFC’s deep featherweight division. After his controversial victory at UFC 314, Ige called out Pitbull directly, calling him a “legend” and asking for the matchup. Now, he’s getting what he asked for.
