Pitbull defeats Archuleta to defend Bellator title, advance in FW Grand Prix

Patricio "Pitbull" Freire defeated Juan Archuleta via unanimous decision in the co-main event of Bellator 228 on Saturday night, retaining his featherweight title and advancing in the division's World Grand Prix.

The decisive victory sees Freire maintain his two-weight champion status, as the successful title defense at 145 lbs comes months after he earned the lightweight title from Michael Chandler.

Archuleta, meanwhile, sees his incredible 18-fight win streak come to an end, losing for the first time since March 28, 2015.

With Freire's victory officially wrapping up the opening round of the featherweight Grand Prix, Bellator also incorporated the selection show for the next stage into Saturday night's festivities.

Freire, given the ability to pick any matchup after the other seven contenders slotted themselves into tentative fights, elected to take on Pedro Carvalho in March 2020.