“It Seems Inhuman”- Patricio Freire Slams The UFC

The 32-year-old Patricio Freire has recently called out the UFC of being insensitive towards its fighters. Freire feels the UFC should not be pushing to organize events during these tumultuous times.

The Bellator has been canceling all its upcoming events. However, the promotion looks to make a return sometime in June or July. And the two-division champion feels that this is the way to go about it. Meanwhile, the UFC is still hopeful of organizing UFC 249 sometime in May in Florida.

In a recent interview, Freire showered his promotion with praises comparing their moves to that of their counterpart, the UFC.

“If it was my money, (and) if I were a billionaire, I would do what Bellator is doing. I can’t say a date that might not be cleared. ‘Oh, I’m going to rent an island.’ Is that even doable? And who are you taking to an island? How is that going to be?”- Patricio Freire to MMA Fighting

Despite no bouts taking place Bellator has been paying its fighters show and win money. Bellator is looking to organize fights in a studio owned by ViacomCBS in June or July. However, no dates have been finalized.

“Wait for the market to react, and when the government opens everything when you can bring in fighters from other continents, OK. If that possibility is real, let’s have an event. There’s no debate. (UFC) is only making noise for the media, creating a mess, and making money.”- Patricio Freire

Patricio Freire Criticises the UFC for Chasing Money

As Freire sees it, the UFC is struggling to keep its name in the media and pushing to organize events despite prevalent health concerns.

“My impression is that fighters come last, right? Fulfilling contracts come first, making money, and f**k it. Bring entertainment for those at home, and f**k the fighter if he’s going to catch the virus or die. It seems inhuman.”- Patricio Freire

“You can’t make plans. Promotions depend on the government (and) how will they open the market. So then say when and how they will have events and fights. I believe that if the American market slowly opens, then promotions will go back to normal.”- Patricio Freire

The two-division champion was looking to take on Pedro Carvalho at Bellator 241. However, the promotion was forced to scrap the event just hours before the first bell.

Coming off a streak of 5 consecutive wins, Freire’s last title defense came in September 2019 against Juan Archuleta. Pitbull managed to retain his title via unanimous decision.

As of now, the Brazilian is looking forward to taking on Carvalho, when it is safe for everyone. The fighter has not let the Coronavirus slow him down. Training on a regular basis, Freire confirms he is ready to step into the octagon.