The PFL’s season tournament does not pique Patricio Freire’s interest. The current Bellator featherweight champion has no desire to participate in the tournament now that PFL has acquired Bellator and merged their rosters. While Freire has experience competing in similar formats, such as Bellator’s grand prix, he is put off by PFL’s point system in the playoffs. Unlike Bellator, PFL has a two-fight season with a point system that is based on the speed at which a fighter can secure a victory. It is a more complex system than simple elimination bouts. In fact, a fighter can be eliminated from the playoffs even with two decision wins, depending on other results. This is something that Freire does not appreciate. He values fighting for titles and cherishes his current position as a champion. The idea of entering a tournament, winning all his fights, but still not making it to the playoffs and losing his championship status is illogical to him. Therefore, Freire hopes to continue defending his Bellator featherweight title through PFL’s one-off events, such as pay-per-views and the eight planned Bellator shows. On February 24, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Brazilian will return to the cage to face Jesus Pinedo, the winner of the 2023 PFL season, in a non-title bout.
According to the Source mmajunkie.usatoday.com