Many MMA competitors get their nicknames from inside the cage, such as a commentator’s slip of the tongue or a viral post-fight video. However, in the instance of Patricio Freire, popularly known as “Pitbull,” the label preceded global stardom. And now that he’s finally in the UFC, people all around the world are revisiting the man behind the moniker. With his debut against Yair Rodriguez already scheduled for UFC 314, the 37-year-old veteran isn’t wasting time. After years of establishing himself as one of the top fighters outside the UFC, this could be his final chance at global gold—and he’s approaching it like the ‘Pitbull’ he’s always been.

Still, it’s unbelievable that it took this long. Freire, a two-division Bellator champion, a globe-trotting finisher, and a man who defeated AJ McKee and Michael Chandler, was far from unknown. However, timing isn’t always fair in MMA. He waited for the PFL-Bellator merger to be finalized, fought through a difficult contract issue, and ultimately received the call. Patricio Pitbull is no longer just fighting in the UFC; he wants to be among the top five. And for those who’ve been following him for years, his nickname now feels more suitable than ever. But how did he get the moniker in the first place? Let’s find out!

Why is Patricio Freire called ‘Pitbull’?

“Pitbull” was not a slick branding strategy. Patricio’s moniker stems from his early days in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, where his persistent pressure and compact yet muscular frame stood out. He once stated, “When I started BJJ, I had an aggressive style. Due to my build and how I fought, I was nicknamed Pitbull.” And the aggression stayed with him. Whether in grappling contests or full-fledged MMA bouts, he never backed down, slowed down, or took a step back except to leap ahead.

Even at 37, Freire still embodies that philosophy now. He didn’t come to the Dana White-led promotion to warm up or gradually establish himself here; he wants a title opportunity in just two fights. He doesn’t have time to play it safe. And it’s that same attitude, honed over years of hard work outside of the UFC spotlight, that elevates “Pitbull” to more than simply a moniker. This is a statement. One that has followed him from Natal’s gyms to the world’s largest stages—and, finally, the Octagon.

Other unknown facts about Patricio Pitbull

While most fans are now beginning to appreciate Freire on the UFC stage, those who have followed Bellator’s path realize he has played a key role in creating the organization’s global importance. ‘Pitbull,’ a three-time featherweight champion and former lightweight king, dominated the promotion for more than a decade. Along with his brother, Patricky, he transformed the “Pitbull” name into a distinct brand based on grit, technique, and pure heart. But his rise to prominence did not begin in bright venues; it began in Natal, Brazil, in a household where survival came first,  and martial arts was a way to hold on to control.

That childhood influenced him deeply. Patricio Pitbull’s journey has been anything but simple, from surviving a house invasion as a child—in which his mother shot a perpetrator in the eye—to training alongside icons like Wanderlei Silva at Chute Boxe. Even later in life, prior to a crucial title defense, he promised God he’d give up his belt if it meant his unborn kid would be born safely. That son, Davi, made it. Freire never looked back. Today, he remains as thorough as ever, methodically monitoring his sleep, recovery, and diet. Because when you’ve come this far, being a “Pitbull” isn’t just about how you fight—it’s how you live. What do you think? Will ‘Pitbull’ be able to live up to his moniker against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314? Let us know in the comments.