On Saturday night, in the main event of Bellator 183, long-time Bellator lightweight contender Patricky “Pitbull” Freire picked up a close decision win over former UFC and WEC lightweight champion Benson Henderson. In the moments after this win, Freire called for a fight with reigning Bellator lightweight champion Brent Primus, who captured the title from Michael Chandler back in June.
“I want the champion,” Pitbull said. “I want Brent Primus. Tonight I took down another former champion and I want my shot at that belt. He keeps running from me but now it’s time. I want that belt and after tonight I earned my shot at it. Benson Henderson is a good, tough fighter, but I’ve got my mind on the division title now. You can’t keep running Primus.”
Shortly thereafter, Primus engaged Pitbull on Twitter, challenging his claim that he had run from him.
@PatrickyPitbull congrats on the fight tonight man! You say I ran from you twice? I’ve signed the only contact I got to fight you💪 #ready
advertisement – continue reading below— Brent Primus (@brentprimus155) September 24, 2017
While this looked like it could have been the beginning of a pretty heated exchange, things instead took a very cordial turn, as the two lightweights agreed to fight in the most sportsmanlike fashion possible.
Thanks! I have to promote the fight. Let’s do this! Good luck with your baby 👊🏻
advertisement – continue reading below— Patricky Freire (@PatrickyPitbull) September 24, 2017
thanks man🙏 being a dad is the best thing on earth But I’m down to throw down👊 #fireworks #nojudges #ready @BellatorMMA
— Brent Primus (@brentprimus155) September 24, 2017
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Unsurprisingly, this exchange didn’t go over well with Michael Chandler, who believes he should be the next man to get a crack at Primus’ title.
you two can fight it out for title of “never heard of that guy” and “chokes under pressure”
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) September 24, 2017
“Congrats man” – “I respect you” – “I’m a dad”- “gee golly” – “the earth is flat & puppies are the cutest” @brentprimus155 @patrickypitbull pic.twitter.com/kh97WrldNl
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) September 24, 2017
These comments from Chandler then generated a fiery series of responses from Pitbull:
The attention whore strikes again. You can’t keep my name out of your mouth and stalks my social media 24/7. You’re pathetic. https://t.co/DODni2WxXP
— Patricky Freire (@PatrickyPitbull) September 25, 2017
You were lucky last time. I can’t wait to shut your big mouth. I’ll deliver the beating of a lifetime before knocking you out. https://t.co/DODni2WxXP
— Patricky Freire (@PatrickyPitbull) September 25, 2017
You think you’re so tough, so put your money where your mouth is. Let’s go! Me and you on #Bellator184 https://t.co/DODni2WxXP
— Patricky Freire (@PatrickyPitbull) September 25, 2017
Do you think Brent Primus’ first title defense should be against Patricky “Pitbull” Freire, Michael Chandler, or perhaps, somebody else? Join the conversation in the comments section!
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 9/25/2017.