Patricio Pitbull's UFC Future in Doubt Heading Into UFC 331 Bout vs. Doo Ho Choi

Patricio "Pitbull" Freire heads into UFC 331 on September 19 in Los Angeles with his promotional future hanging in the balance, as the Brazilian veteran faces Doo Ho Choi on the undercard with no contract renewal in sight.

The 39-year-old featherweight, ranked 15th in the division, carries one of the most decorated resumes in MMA history into the bout. A former two-division Bellator champion, Freire holds an overall record of 37-9-0 but has struggled to replicate that success since joining the UFC in 2025, going 1-2 inside the organization. His most recent outing ended in defeat against Aaron Pico at UFC 327 this past April. Standing five-foot-six with a 67-inch reach, Freire lands 2.68 significant strikes per minute at 43 percent accuracy and adds a submission threat, averaging 0.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes.

The contract situation is a notable warning sign. In standard UFC practice, fighters the promotion intends to keep are typically renegotiated before they reach their final bout. Freire is entering that final fight without a new deal in place, raising legitimate questions about whether this could be his last appearance under the UFC banner regardless of outcome.

His opponent, Doo Ho Choi, is a Hall of Famer whose crowd-pleasing style has made him one of featherweight's most recognized names.

Why it matters

• A loss would likely seal Freire's exit from the UFC after just one year with the promotion
• At 37-9-0 overall, Freire still holds legitimate divisional credentials, but his 1-2 UFC record has eroded that standing quickly
• The style matchup pits Freire's veteran submission game against a Hall of Fame striker, setting up a high-stakes clash with career implications for at least one man involved