5 Defining Moments: Patricky Freire

Patricky Freire, alongside his younger brother, Patricio Freire, has played a crucial role in elevating Bellator MMA’s status to the upper echelons of the sport. A prominent fixture on the organization’s roster since 2011, the Brazilian has fought against some of the most formidable names, displaying his fortitude against elite talent worldwide.

It’s unquestionable that beyond their personal accomplishments, the Freire brothers wield deep-seated reverence within the combat sports community. In line with that context, their name will resound with unparalleled esteem when conversations steer around siblings who left an enduring imprint on the sport. For his next assignment, the 38-year-old will take on Clay Collard at PFL 2: 2024 Regular Season on April 12 at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. Ahead of that clash, we take a look at some of the defining moments that have marked his journey thus far:

Forging a Path to Destined Glory

Freire made his professional MMA debut in September 2005 against Arquimedes Vieira on the Fight Ship Looking Boy 1 card. He won the fight by knockout via stomps in the first round. He rattled off two more victories with the same approach and a unanimous decision triumph over Maykon Costa, before succumbing to his first professional loss against Willamy Freire at Rino's FC 4. Having tested himself in several Brazilian promotions and achieving a commendable 7-1 record, he landed the opportunity to compete in the Bellator Season Four lightweight tournament.

Battling the Best and Chasing Gold

Navigating through the lightweight tournament, Freire faced formidable names, initiating his journey with a dominant win over former WEC lightweight champion Rob McCullough at Bellator 36 in March 2011. He clinched the victory via TKO in the third round. The Brazilian advanced in the tournament and took on two-time finalist Toby Imada in the semifinal at Bellator 39, a little under a month later in April. His raw athleticism was on full display as he vanquished Imada with a devastating flying knee, followed by an incessant barrage of punches, culminating in a decisive knockout victory in the first round. Nonetheless, his pursuit of tournament glory was dashed when he faced a setback in the final against Michael Chandler at Bellator 44, where Freire conceded defeat via unanimous decision.

Freire’s Finest and Victory Parade

Freire embarked on his best career run between Feb. 2017 and Dec. 2019, collecting seven straight victories, that included wins over former UFC legends. The ascend started with a second-round knockout victory over former Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson at Bellator 172. Leveraging that momentum, Freire would go on to pick a hard-fought split-decision win over former UFC 155-pound champ Benson Henderson at Bellator 183. He collected three more victories in the promotion based out of San Jose, California, but decided to take part in the Rizin FF lightweight tournament since his younger brother was reigning over the Bellator 155-pound division as the champion.

Under the premier Japanese MMA organization, he scored a knockout victory over Tatsuya Kawajiri via flying knee and punches in the quarterfinal round. In the semi-finals of the grand prix, Freire squared off against Luiz Gustavo at Rizin 20. He efficiently disposed off his opponent in a brisk 28 seconds, scoring the victory via TKO through punches and soccer kick. Unfortunately, he didn’t measure up to the challenge in the finals, bowing out to a unanimous decision loss to Tofiq Musayev.

Crowned in Gold

In a highly-anticipated showdown in Dublin, Freire seized the Bellator lightweight gold with a stunning second-round knockout victory over hometown hero Peter Queally. Embracing the opportunity afforded by his brother vacating the throne, Freire unleashed his lethal striking skills, flooring Queally twice with thunderous blows before the referee intervened, much to the disappointment of the fervent Irish crowd. The Brazilian persisted through an eye poke in the second round with valor despite a brief pause in action. He retaliated by staggering Queally with a right hand, a barrage of punches behind that, intensifying his assault to secure the stoppage at precisely the 1:05 mark of the second round. With that, Freire not only avenged his loss to the Irishman but also seized the vacant lightweight gold and his lifelong dream of becoming a champion.

Victory in the Land of the Rising Sun

Over three years after he first competed in Japan, Freire went to fight there again, this time representing the American promotion at the Bellator MMA x Rizin 2 card in July. 2023. He demolished Roberto Satoshi de Souza with a barrage of kicks in the third round. Throughout the bout, Freire proved to be the superior fighter, scoring at will, chipping away with the jab and the occasional attacks to the breadbasket. When the opportunity presented in the third round, courtesy of a chopping calf kick, Freire capitalized on the opportunity against his grounded adversary, landing few seminal blows, sealing the victory at the 0:49 mark of the third round.