Freire targets UFC contract renewal after final fight on deal against Choi at UFC 331

Patricio Freire has revealed that his scheduled fight with Doo Ho Choi at UFC 331 on September 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles is the final bout on his current UFC contract. The 39-year-old Brazilian says he expects to re-sign with the promotion if he comes away with a victory.

“I think this is the last one,” Freire told Home of Fight. “I want to stay [in the UFC]. I’m going to win this fight and I’m going to renew the contract.”

Freire (37-9) has had a difficult transition to the UFC since leaving Bellator, going 1-2 inside the Octagon. His debut ended in defeat to Yair Rodriguez, before he bounced back with a hard-fought decision win over Dan Ige. He has since dropped a decision to Aaron Pico, leaving his future with the promotion in the balance heading into the Choi fight.

Freire is not alone among former Bellator standouts who have struggled to replicate their success in the UFC. Patrick Mix has already been cut from the roster, Michael Page has yet to record a finish, and Pico himself was knocked out viciously in his Octagon debut before going on to defeat Freire.

Despite the turbulent run, “Pitbull” remains committed to proving himself at the highest level. His clash with Choi (17-4), a fan favourite known for his aggressive, high-octane style, represents a significant test — and, by Freire’s own account, the most important fight of his UFC tenure so far.