The Bellator featherweight title is on the line.
Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire looks to add on to his legacy with another title defense over a rising contender. The three-time champion takes on Jeremy Kennedy in five rounds or less in the co-main event of Bellator Belfast.
Highly regarded as the Bellator ‘GOAT’, Pitbull will look to prove he’s still the best at the weight class following the worst losing skid of his career. It’s back-to-back losses for the Brazilian as he suffered a decision loss to Sergio Pettis in a drop to bantamweight before being knocked out by Chihiro Suzuki in RIZIN a month later at lightweight.
Pitbull is now back at 145lbs for his first title defense in almost two years, with his last Bellator win coming over Adam Borics in Oct. 2022.
Canada’s Kennedy has been chasing the belt for quite some time now. After years of fighting in the UFC and the PFL, the Xtreme Couture product made Bellator his home in 2020 and has beat the likes of Emanuel Sanchez, Aaron Pico and Pedro Carvalho to earn his shot at the champion.
The featherweight title fight takes place from the SSE Arena in Belfast, Ireland.
Round 1:
The two featherweights stand in the middle of the cage, very hesitant to throw strikes. Pitbull lands a few leg kicks to get the fight somewhat going. Kennedy pumps out the jab but misses. Kennedy and Pitbull trade leg kicks. Kennedy’s left leg more red after another eating leg kick from Pitbull.
Kennedy throws a combo after receiving a leg kick. Kennedy ducks in for a takedown accidentally headbutting Pitbull on the entry. The fight is stopped momentarily and then restarts with the fighters striking on the feet. Leg kicks pile up for Pitbull. Kennedy hits Pitbull with a jab.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Pitbull
Round 2:
Kennedy throws a teep kick, Pitbull returns with a leg kick. Kennedy presses forward, putting together combos on the champ. Pitbull eats a leg kick from Kennedy this time around. Pitbull retaliates with a leg kick before landing a right hand on Kennedy. Kennedy works behind the jab.
Kennedy gets a takedown on Pitbull against the cage. Pitbull works his way back up to his feet only to be controlled by Kennedy in the clinch. Kennedy lands a knee to Pitbull’s crotch area that stops the action twelve seconds before the end of the round.
Kennedy opens up with a headkick that just misses. Round ends.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Kennedy
Round 3:
Leg kick lands for Kennedy. Pitbull throws an overhand right that partially connects. Pitbull lands a fast leg kick. Kennedy knocks down the champion with a punch, but Pitbull manages to get back on his feet and survive. Blood pours from a cut on Pitbull’s head as he’s stuck in the clinch with Kennedy.
Kennedy fires elbows before the fighters break from the position. Kennedy throws a 1-2 and then a flying knee. Pitbull stands his ground, throwing heat right back at him. Pitbull clips Kennedy with a brutal right hand that visibly hurts Kennedy. Kennedy tries to secure a takedown but is stuffed by Pitbull. Kennedy is on the retreat, covering up as Pitbull pours on the pressure. Pitbull delivers an onslaught of strikes, mixing in punches and elbows to the body and head of Kennedy. Kennedy tries to weather the storm but it’s all too much for the Canadian who eventually crumbles after a knee.
Official result: Patricio Pitbull defeats Jeremy Kennedy via TKO (punches) in round 3 (4:07)
Check out the highlights below:
WHAT A PERFORMANCE FROM THE BELLATOR GOAT! 👑
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) March 22, 2024
Patricio Pitbull stops Jeremy Kennedy in the third! 🔥#BellatorBelfast | LIVE NOW
➡️ https://t.co/Dpuq4Xv6Jh pic.twitter.com/0ftme4h9sa
PITBULL RETAINS HIS 145LBS CROWN! 👑 @PatricioPitbull continues his status as the Bellator GOAT as he finishes Jeremy Kennedy in VIOLENT fashion.#BellatorBelfast | LIVE NOW
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) March 22, 2024
➡️ https://t.co/Dpuq4Xv6Jh pic.twitter.com/Ma6HDlH551
