A fan-friendly featherweight bout takes place on the main card of UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3, this Saturday, July 19, 2025, in New Orleans. Dan Ige welcomes Patrício "Pitbull" Freire to the UFC's featherweight division in a clash of knockout artists and proven veterans. Pitbull, a Bellator legend, looks to cement his legacy inside the UFC, while Ige hopes to halt the Brazilian’s crossover momentum and move closer to the top 10.

Dan Ige

Dan Ige is a Hawaiian brawler with sharp boxing, underrated grappling, and tremendous grit. Currently ranked #11 in the featherweight division, Ige has long hovered around the top tier but has struggled to break into true title contention. With a 19–9 pro record, Ige’s style thrives on pace, pressure, and durability.

He rebounded from back-to-back decision losses to Diego Lopes and Lerone Murphy by finishing Sean Woodson in April 2025. Ige has gone the distance with elite names like Calvin Kattar, Korean Zombie, Josh Emmett, and Movsar Evloev, showing he can hang with the best, even if he often falls short on the scorecards. But when he’s at his best, Ige’s hands are crisp, and he’s got one-shot power, as seen in his KOs over Gavin Tucker and Damon Jackson.

Dan Ige – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Sean Woodson – TKO (Punches) – UFC 314, April 12, 2025
2. Loss vs. Lerone Murphy – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 308, October 26, 2024
3. Loss vs. Diego Lopes – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 303, June 29, 2024 (Catchweight)
4. Win vs. Andre Fili – KO (Punches) – UFC FN, February 10, 2024 (Performance of the Night)
5. Loss vs. Bryce Mitchell – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, September 23, 2023

Patrício “Pitbull” Freire

Patrício Pitbull is one of the most accomplished featherweights outside the UFC, now making his second appearance in the Octagon following a hard-fought debut loss to Yair Rodríguez in April. With a staggering 36–8 professional record and victories over Michael Chandler, AJ McKee, Emmanuel Sanchez, and Pedro Carvalho, Pitbull was Bellator’s most dominant figure for over a decade.

At 37, Pitbull may be slightly past his prime but remains dangerous. His guillotine is elite, his low kicks are brutal, and his compact striking makes him a constant knockout threat. However, his last few outings, especially his KO loss to Chihiro Suzuki and his decision defeat to Sergio Pettis at bantamweight, have raised questions about durability and weight class mobility.

Still, Pitbull’s experience across weight divisions, fight IQ, and history of big moments make him one of the most intriguing UFC signings in recent memory.

Patrício Pitbull – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Yair Rodríguez – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 314, April 12, 2025
2. Win vs. Jeremy Kennedy – TKO (Knees & Punches) – Bellator Champs Series, March 22, 2024
3. Loss vs. Chihiro Suzuki – KO (Punch) – Super Rizin 2, July 30, 2023 (Catchweight)
4. Loss vs. Sergio Pettis – Decision (Unanimous) – Bellator 297, June 16, 2023 (Bantamweight)
5. Win vs. Kleber Koike Erbst – Decision (Unanimous) – Bellator vs. Rizin, December 31, 2022

This fight pits Ige’s constant forward motion and boxing against Pitbull’s counter-striking and explosive power. Both men are compact, powerful, and capable of turning the tide in a single exchange. Ige will look to use his pace and pressure to break down Pitbull over time, while the Brazilian aims to bait Ige into a mistake and land something fight-ending.

On the feet, Ige may have a volume advantage, but Pitbull’s fight IQ and explosive moments could steal rounds or end things early. Grappling could be the X-factor, Pitbull owns a slick submission arsenal, but Ige has rarely been threatened on the mat and is tough to control.

Prediction

This fight likely comes down to timing and durability. Ige is younger (33), fresher, and more active, while Pitbull’s recent losses suggest a decline. However, the Brazilian’s power and experience shouldn’t be underestimated.

If Ige can survive the early rounds and keep the pace high, his pressure and volume should pay off. Pitbull could steal the show with a counter or guillotine, but Ige has shown enough durability and defensive soundness in his recent fights to avoid a finish.

Prediction:
Dan Ige def. Patrício Pitbull via Unanimous Decision

Expect a tense, technical battle with big moments from both. Ige's youth and volume should carry him to a decision in a closely contested fight.