The first matchup in Bellator’s featherweight grand prix tournament is set.
Patricio Freire will defend his 145-pound title against Juan Archuleta on Sept. 28 at The Forum in Inglewood, California, ESPN reported Wednesday. It is one of eight first-round tournament bouts, all of which are expected to take place in the fall.
In his last fight, Freire knocked out Michael Chandler at Bellator 221 to win the lightweight championship, becoming the second fighter in Bellator history to hold two titles simultaneously. “Pitbull” hinted at a drop to 135 pounds after the win, but ultimately settled with competing in the upcoming tournament.