Patricky Pitbull | Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images
The Brazilian MMA veteran takes on the popular SBG Ireland lightweight at the 3Arena as part of the promotion’s European Series.
A key lightweight match up which will stoke national pride has been booked as the main event for Bellator’s return to Dublin.
Irish fan-favourite, Peter Queally, is set to face the highest profile opponent of his career to date when he takes on Bellator legend, Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire, in Bellator’s European Series. The promotion announced the booking during the Spring/Summer Showcase press conference on Monday afternoon. This will be the fourth time that the Viacom-owned organisation has visited Dublin in less than two years which demonstrates how the city has become a key market for them on the continent.
Freire (23-9) is the older brother of Bellator double champion Patricio and he has competed for the promotion since 2011. During that time, he has shared the cage with the likes of Benson Henderson, Josh Thomson (both of whom he defeated), and Michael Chandler (whom he’s lost twice to), where his aggressive style has been on display. The heavy-hitting Brazilian travelled to Japan in order to take part in Rizin’s lightweight grand prix at the end of last year but came up short in the final, dropping a decision victory to Tofiq Musayev. ‘Pitbull’ headlined the inaugural European Series show against local fighter, Ryan Scope, in Newcastle and emerged victorious so will look to repeat that feat in Dublin.
Queally (12-5-1) is a well-travelled veteran of the European scene and has fought for the likes of Cage Warriors, BAMMA and FNG. The SBG Ireland product made his Bellator debut back in February 2019 but lost a split decision to former teammate Myles Price in a heated grudge match. However, he bounced back by taking out the highly regarded Englishman, Ryan Scope, last September which set up an important meeting with former Bellator champion, Brent Primus. Unfortunately for Queally, he picked up an injury so was unable to compete against the American but he has been thrown into the spotlight once again for this upcoming main event. Queally is one of the main sparring partners of Conor McGregor.
More bout announcements are expected in the coming days.