LOS ANGELES – Patricio Freire believes as champion he’s deserving of some tactical advantages in the Bellator featherweight grand prix. He won’t get any, though, which means he must be strategic in his approach.
Freire (29-4 MMA, 17-4 BMMA) believes he’ll come out on top in the 16-man single elimination tournament. His opening-round matchup takes place Saturday at Bellator 228 against Juan Archuleta (23-1 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) in the main event of the DAZN-streamed card at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif.
If he advances to the quarterfinals, “Pitbull” would be part of the draw that will feature the eight remaining athletes. He could end up in a situation in which he’s forced to pick either a certain date or certain opponent for the next round, and he already knows what he’d do.
“I prefer the date (over picking the opponent) because I’m a little older now, and I deserve a little break to come back,” Freire told reporters, including MMA Junkie, on Wednesday at Bellator 228 open workouts. “But I’m in great form, so it’s fine.”
Freire enjoys the opportunity to compete in something like the grand prix. He’s putting his title on the line with every fight he lasts, but relishes the chance to stack up four defenses in roughly one year and also claim the $1 million prize awarded to the winner.
The first person in his way is Archuleta, who brings an 18-fight winning streak that spans more than four years into the contest. The Brazilian said he respects what the challenger brings to the table, but he expects to end the contest in definitive fashion.
“This is a dangerous fight,” Freire said. “My opponent is very dynamic, but I am very ready, and I am going to take this one. I’m going to knock him out in the second round.”
