LOS ANGELES – It seemed as though Patricio Freire ’s involvement in the Bellator featherweight grand pix meant the lightweight title would be put on ice indefinitely. But according to Bellator president Scott Coker, however, that may not be the case. Coker said Freire (29-4 MMA, 17-4 BMMA), who puts his 145-pound belt up for grabs against Juan Archuleta (23-1 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) in an opening-round bout on Saturday at Bellator 228, has expressed the desire to also defend the 155-pound strap. Should “Pitbull” beat Archuleta and advance to the quarterfinals, the tournament draw format could see him kept out of action until late into the first quarter of 2020. If the Brazilian wanted to jump up to keep active, Coker said he wouldn’t be opposed. “‘Pitbull’ might have some breaks between the tournament,” Coker told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at Bellator 228 media day.
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