Patricio Pitbull vs Doo Ho Choi 19 September 2026 Prediction

Two fighters with very different levels of experience will meet at UFC 331. Patricio Freire is a former two-division Bellator champion, but he has struggled in the UFC, posting a 1-2 record. Doo Ho Choi entered the promotion as a promising young knockout artist, only to face high-level opposition too early and absorb significant damage. The Korean has since revived his career and enters this matchup on a three-fight winning streak. Which fighter has the advantage?

Patricio Freire

The Brazilian accomplished nearly everything possible outside the UFC. He won the Bellator featherweight title three times and recorded nine successful defenses. His notable wins include AJ McKee, Michael Chandler, Jeremy Kennedy, Daniel Weichel, and Daniel Straus. However, an aging “Pitbull” delivered a poor performance in his UFC debut against Yair Rodriguez. He responded by defeating a solid opponent in Dan Ige before losing to Aaron Pico in his most recent fight.

Freire is a well-rounded fighter. On the feet, he uses low kicks, straight punches, and overhands. His timing remains sharp, and he is dangerous when pursuing a hurt opponent. He usually completes takedowns with leg attacks and can control opponents in the clinch. However, the Brazilian has relied on his wrestling less often in recent fights.

🏆 Titles: Bellator MMA featherweight champion in 2014 with two defenses, in 2017 with five defenses, and in 2022 with two defenses; Bellator lightweight champion in 2019.

Doo Ho Choi

Choi began his UFC career with three consecutive first-round knockout wins. That run convinced the matchmakers to pair the young prospect with Cub Swanson, an experienced ranked contender at the time. Choi lost a high-volume fight and absorbed considerable damage. He was then stopped by Jeremy Stephens and Charles Jourdain. After a four-year layoff, Choi returned against Kyle Nelson in a bout that ended in a draw. He has now won three straight fights and is targeting a place in the top 15.

The South Korean is primarily a striker, though he can also take opponents down, usually with throws. He stays active on the ground and quickly moves into dominant positions. His takedown defense is not especially strong, but he is effective at getting back to his feet. Choi operates well at long and mid-range. He has quick reactions, a dangerous one-two combination, accurate straight punches, and occasionally mixes in hooks. His cardio is also reliable.

Notable Fights

Patricio Freire: defeated most of Bellator’s leading contenders, including Daniel Straus, Emmanuel Sanchez, Michael Chandler, AJ McKee, Adam Borics, and Jeremy Kennedy. In the UFC, he lost to Yair Rodriguez but defeated Dan Ige.

Doo Ho Choi: lost to Cub Swanson, Jeremy Stephens, and Charles Jourdain. He defeated Thiago Tavares, Bill Algeo, and Nate Landwehr.

Stats and Trends

• Freire lands 2.77 strikes per minute while absorbing 4.61. He also averages 1.26 takedowns per fight. Choi is more active, landing 5.00 strikes per minute while absorbing 4.43. His takedown defense stands at 59%.
• Freire has recorded 27 finishes in 46 fights. Choi has gone to the judges’ scorecards only four times in 22 bouts. The fight not to go the distance is worth considering.

Patricio Freire vs Doo Ho Choi Prediction: Doo Ho Choi by Finish

Choi is a clear betting favorite, and the younger fighter has several advantages in this matchup. He is taller and longer, while his recent performances have been strong. His cardio and takedown defense have improved, and his striking remains his main strength. Freire has had a long career and absorbed substantial damage. The Brazilian has slowed down, and his wrestling is no longer a consistent deciding factor. The main betting pick is Doo Ho Choi to win by finish at 2.28.