The highly anticipated UFC Paris card was set for a thrilling debut, but one of its most talked-about matchups collapsed under dramatic circumstances, culminating in a raw, desperate plea captured on video. Just days after a crucial weigh-in blunder, former Oktagon MMA two-division champion Losene Keita was filmed in a locker room, begging legendary fighter Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire to proceed with their scheduled bout, even offering half of his purse to make it happen. Pitbull, however, remained unmoved.
A Dream Derailed: The Anticipated Debut
The stage was set for 27-year-old Belgian fighter Losene Keita to make his grand UFC debut against the formidable Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire. The bout was scheduled for September 6, 2025, at the iconic Accor Arena in Paris, promising an explosive featherweight clash. Keita, known for his prowess and holding multiple titles from Oktagon MMA, was poised for a significant step up in his career, facing a veteran regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
The Critical Misstep: A Weight-Cutting Disaster
The dream began to unravel on September 5, 2025, during the official weigh-ins. While Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire meticulously hit the featherweight limit at 145 pounds, Keita found himself in a dire predicament. He weighed in at a staggering 149 pounds, a full three pounds over the 146-pound non-title fight limit.
Given the significant miss, Pitbull made a swift and firm decision: he flat-out refused to accept a catchweight fight. For a professional of his caliber, facing an opponent who failed to make weight by such a margin was an unacceptable disadvantage. With that, Keita’s much-anticipated UFC debut was unceremoniously pulled from the card.
A Tense Exchange: Desperation Meets Professionalism
Three days after the fight’s cancellation, the underlying drama exploded into public view. Pitbull’s brother, Patricky Freire, leaked a highly emotional video on Instagram. The footage showed Keita, visibly distraught, in a private locker room conversation with Pitbull, pleading for the fight to be reinstated.
“Please, I know I f*cked it up. I know,” Keita’s voice can be heard, laced with raw emotion. “My coaches said Please. I’ve been waiting for this call all my life. Normally, I don’t even talk to my opponent like this. I’m not sweating. We tried everything. I’m not sweating anymore. I tried. Even now, I was trying. I talked with everybody. This is my life. I just want to fight.”
Keita’s pleas continued, downplaying the weight difference: “It’s only one kilo. It’s only one kilo. Please don’t take this away from me.” He even offered a substantial concession to entice Pitbull: “You can even take half of my money, I don’t care! I just want to fight!” Attempting a final appeal, he added, “Bro, you’re a fighter. We are fighters.”
However, Pitbull’s response was unwavering, emphasizing discipline and fairness. “I gave you all the advantages, but I can’t give you this advantage,” he stated, reminding Keita of his own responsibility. “You take it, not me. That’s your fault. That’s not on me.” He continued, “I’m a fighter. But I am a professional. 145 pounds. Your debut in the UFC against me. You have one and a half to try [and make weight].” His final, blunt advice to Keita was unambiguous: “Go to lightweight.”
The Brother’s Stance: Patricky Freire Weighs In
Adding fuel to the fire, Patricky Freire didn’t mince words on Instagram, offering his perspective on Keita’s weigh-in efforts. He posted, “Fat panther did not even try! He had more than two hours to try to cut, and he was already apologizing and hydrating himself, wanting to convince my brother to accept the fight.” This public commentary underscored the Freire camp’s belief that Keita lacked the necessary dedication to make weight.
What’s Next? A Glimmer of Hope
While Keita’s UFC debut was undoubtedly a baptism by fire, marked by a costly mistake and public humiliation, there might still be a path forward. UFC senior vice president David Shaw hinted that Keita could potentially be given another opportunity down the line. Despite the dramatic fallout, this saga serves as a harsh lesson on the unforgiving demands of professional mixed martial arts and the critical importance of discipline at the sport’s highest level.
