Patricio Freire Has The Confidence But Could Be Back It Up?
Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (29-4) is the current Bellator featherweight and lightweight champion. And he’s the second ever champion in Bellator history to hold two belts at the same time. So, it’s easy to see why his confidence is through the roof, and he wants a piece of UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway (20-4) to show the World he’s truly number one.
“I’d beat him,” Freire told MMA Junkie. That’s a fact. Like I was certain I’d beat Michael Chandler, I am absolutely certain I’d beat Max Holloway.”
Freire recently defeated Michael Chandler at Bellator 221 earlier this month via TKO (Punches) and now that he’s hot, he doesn’t want to waste any time. But, since he just signed a multiple fight deal with Bellator, and Holloway is still signed with the UFC, this fight might not happen anytime soon.
But, anything is possible, and we’ve seen some matchups we never thought would happen before. Freire’s confidence in his abilities led him to explain why he’d beat Holloway…
“For me, he’s the same Max Holloway who fought Conor McGregor – and who lost to Conor McGregor. For me, he’s that same guy, he hasn’t changed much. However, he’s very well-rounded. He’s very tall, and he utilizes his reach very well. And his boxing is very sharp. So, fighters haven’t been able to match him technically. He knocked Jose Aldo out twice with pure boxing. Speaking as a boxer, he managed to paralyze Aldo with that.
Freire explained that Holloway isn’t very strong, but he’s durable with above-average technique.
“That’s why he’s able to dominate,” said Freire. As soon as he meets someone who matches his technique and who has the durability to hold him off until the end, he’s going to have a problem. And I have power, strength, endurance. I have everything that he doesn’t want.”
Max Holloway will defend his title against Frankie Edgar at UFC 240 on July 27, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. And for now, Patricio Freire will have to accept another Bellator matchup.
