Written by Patricky Pitbull | Lucas Noonan, Bellator
Patricky Pitbull has a new place to call home.
The former Bellator lightweight champion, who was a free agent after his PFL release, has inked a deal with Global Fight League, MMA Fighting has confirmed. The GFL will hold the draft for the 2025 season Friday night.
Pitbull (25-14) built a long and victorious career under the Bellator banner, setting the record for most knockouts in company history (11) during his 16-10 run in the promotion. Pitbull scored key wins over the likes of Ben Henderson, Josh Thomson, Ryan Couture and Peter Queally, and lost the Bellator title to Usman Nurmagomedov.
The 39-year-old Brazilian was part of the Bellator group that flew to Japan to compete inside the RIZIN ring in multiple occasions, knocking out Luiz Gustavo, Tatsuya Kawajiri and RIZIN champion Roberto Satoshi in Japan.
Pitbull’s final appearance in the Bellator cage was a decision defeat to Alexander Shabliy. He then joined the PFL lightweight roster for the 2024 season, but came up short in both bouts, losing to Clay Collard and Bruno Miranda.
“Former Bellator lightweight champion, most wins in the lightweight division and most KOs in company history,” Pitbull wrote on social media, “I’ll never forget all the amazing moments I had with the organization. And a couple of fun fights on PFL. I’m excited for what will be coming next.”