Patricio Freire doesn’t feel the least bit disrespected by his latest booking in the UFC.
“Pitbull” takes on promotional newcomer Losene Keita on the main card of UFC Fight Night 258 (ESPN+) this Saturday from Accor Arena in Paris. Some questioned the making of the bout given Freire’s ranking in the top 15 of the division, as well as his senior and respected status as a former two-division Bellator champion, while also coming off a dominant win over Dan Ige at UFC 318 in July.
Yet, despite some fans feeling he deserved more than a newcomer, Freire (37-8 MMA, 1-1 UFC) doesn’t feel disrespected by the matchup against Keita (16-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC).
“No, I’ve been in his position before,” Freire told reporters at UFC Fight Night 259 media day on Wednesday. “I debuted against Yair Rodriguez, who was a top-five ranked guy. It’s part of the game. That’s it. I understand the position the organization is in, and I’m very happy. I understand it.”
Although Keita might not be a household name in the U.S., he has developed a name for himself in Europe. He won the Oktagon lightweight title last December, and with that became a two-division champion as he also held the featherweight belt.
Freire did his homework and made sure not to take this bout lightly.
“I never underestimate anyone. I always take everyone seriously,” Freire said. “My next fight is always the most important fight, so right now the most important fight in my career is him, so yeah, I’m taking him seriously. I’ve studied him, but I can’t give too many details right now.”
Freire, 38, is 11 years older than Keita. Despite having a long, storied MMA career and being closer to his 40s, Freire has no intention of slowing down. He intends to build off his Ige win and continue his climb up the rankings.
“As long as I’m training and going in the gym and giving these guys trouble, I’m going to be there,” he said.
