Patricio ‘Pitbull’ vs. Emmanuel Sanchez grand prix semifinal headlines Bellator 255
Patricio Freire and Emmanuel Sanchez have a date for their championship rematch.
The two featherweights are set to clash April 2 in the main event of Bellator 255 in Uncasville, Conn., the promotion announced Tuesday. The title bout is part of the Bellator featherweight grand prix semifinals. It’s a rematch from 2018 when Freire (31-4 MMA, 19-4 BMMA) out-pointed Sanchez (20-4 MMA, 12-3 BMMA) at Bellator 209 in Israel.
Freire is coming off a first-round knockout of Pedro Carvalho last November at Bellator 252. Freire, who holds both the lightweight and featherweight titles, is currently on a six-fight winning streak. Freire also has defeated Juan Archuleta in his run in the gran prix.
Related
Patricio Freire issues challenge to Max Holloway, hopes to 'create history' with cross-promotion
Patricio Freire: Michael Chandler's UFC success reflects how good I am, Bellator's talent level
Patricio Freire on rematch: Emmanuel Sanchez improved, but 'I'm better than him – he knows that'
Meanwhile, Sanchez defeated Daniel Weichel at Bellator 252 in November to advance to the semis. Sanchez is on a three-fight wining streak since losing to Freire. The 30-year-old Sanchez has bested Tywan Claxton, as well, in his grand prix run.
The winner of Freire vs. Sanchez 2 will meet A.J. McKee in the final. McKee recently submitted former Bellator champ Darrion Caldwell to advance to the final.
