PFL MMA has released an official statement addressing the future branding of Bellator. PFL acquired the Bellator brand and its roster of fighters in November 2023.

Former two-division Bellator champion, Brazilian fighter Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, has been released from his contract with PFL. This was announced by the organization’s founder, Donn Davis.

PFL chairman and founder Donn Davis announced via social media on Tuesday that Patricio Freire has been released from the promotion, and Sherdog.com subsequently confirmed the new

"We are releasing Patricio Pitbull," Davis wrote Tuesday afternoon on X. "PFL is all about opportunity. I founded this company to create new great opportunities for top fighters. PFL has and will continue to do that for all top fighters who want to be here.

"Pitbull" is off the leash. Patricio Freire has been released from his PFL contract and is now a free agent, according to promotion founder Donn Davis. After weeks of Freire (36-7 MMA, 24-6 UFC) publicly asking for his release,

Patricio Pitbull has received his wish. The multiple-time and current Bellator featherweight champion has been incredibly outspoken in recent months regarding his dissatisfaction under the PFL umbrella.

PFL Chairman Donn Davis has announced the Patrico Pitbull has been released from his contract and that the Bellator MMA brand is no more.