After a lengthy delay, Patricio Freire will finally defend his featherweight crown against Pedro Carvalho at a Bellator MMA event on Nov. 12.
MMAFighting.com was first to report the booking. The matchup is part of the quarterfinal round of the promotion’s 145-pound grand prix. Freire was initially slated to meet Carvalho at Bellator 241 in March before the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Nov. 12 card will take place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
Freire, who is also the reigning lightweight king, advanced in the bracket with a five-round verdict against Juan Archuleta at Bellator 228.