Patricio "Pitbull" Freire and Doo Ho Choi are booked to meet at UFC 331 on September 19. The bout is scheduled at featherweight. Freire enters the contest with a 1-2 record in the UFC, while Choi stands at 6-3-1.
Patricio "Pitbull" Freire and Doo Ho Choi have been booked to clash at featherweight when UFC 331 takes place on September 19, with the matchup now officially on the card.
Freire brings a 1-2 record in the UFC into the contest. The Brazilian is one of the most accomplished featherweights in MMA history outside the promotion, having built his reputation over a lengthy career with Bellator, though his transition to the UFC has so far produced mixed results. He enters this bout looking to right the ship and remind the 145-pound division of his elite-level credentials.
Choi, the South Korean fan favorite, steps in carrying a 6-3-1 record. He has long been a crowd-pleasing presence at featherweight, known for his willingness to engage in high-action exchanges, and this fight represents another opportunity to cement his standing in a competitive division.
Why it matters
- Freire at 1-2 inside the UFC needs a statement win to remain relevant in the featherweight picture after his decorated run outside the promotion
- Choi's 6-3-1 mark reflects a fighter who has been in meaningful bouts throughout his UFC tenure, making this a legitimate measuring-stick matchup for both men
- A featherweight contest between two proven veterans with name recognition gives UFC 331 a compelling mid-card or co-main attraction
- The stylistic dynamic between Freire's well-rounded game and Choi's aggressive, forward-pressure approach sets up an entertaining September clash
Saturday, September 19, 2026
