Sherdog’s Top 10: Greatest Bellator Fights

7. Patricio Freire vs. Daniel Weichel 1 | Bellator 138 (June 29, 2015)

Sherdog's greatest Bellator fighter ever, Patricio Freire, was guaranteed to appear on this list, though it will not be the last time we discuss his exploits. Not only is Freire, in my opinion, one of the 20 greatest fighters in the sport's history, criminally underrated because the canvas he competes on doesn't bear a UFC logo, so too are many of the excellent challengers he defeated en route to an amazing eight title defenses across three championship reigns. His second defense was against German Daniel Weichel, an excellent grappler and good striker who was in his prime at the age of 30, having won seven in a row. His last was a split decision over former Bellator featherweight champion Pat Curran, the same man who had beaten Freire in his first bid at the championship before the Brazilian got revenge in a rematch to become the new king.

Early on, Weichel showed very solid kickboxing, firing a nice jab and a nifty one-two behind it, and landing a big leg kick. Most importantly, his defense was good, covering up well and retreating quickly when necessary. Freire threw a few fast, huge right crosses, but they were either completely or partially blocked. The Brazilian broke the drought with a fantastic left uppercut into right cross that landed, causing the German to stumble back. He soon landed a very tight, accurate left hook for good measure. However, Weichel was not completely outgunned, connecting with a big right cross of his own into a step-in knee and then a nice one-two that caused Freire to cover up and quickly retreat under the barrage. When Freire telegraphed a left hook too much, Weichel dodged and hit him with a right cross that landed nicely. Later, Freire came forward with punches and Weichel changed levels, taking him down. Freire, however, quickly gained separation with his feet and stood back up. Freire landed another laser left hook with 30 seconds remaining, causing Weichel to retreat again. Freire soon tried a single-leg takedown, but the German's wrestling was good, pushing him off. As the round neared its final seconds, and with the champion possibly losing concentration, he got clocked with a perfect straight right hand that had him stumbling onto one knee. As he struggled to regain his bearings, Weichel opened up, hitting him with a left hook and then throwing a flurry of punches before smashing Freire with a huge knee to the head against the cage. Somehow, the Brazilian stayed upright, in a low crouch, and Weichel threw a few uppercuts, one of which caused Freire to finally fall back, putting a hand down to steady himself. If the round had gone longer, perhaps Weichel would have upset the all-time legend, but the bell sounded just in time.

In a state of euphoria, Weichel thought he had won, having to be told by his corner that it was merely the end of the first round. Freire's eyes were glazed over between rounds, and he began the second stanza cautiously, circling on the outside. Weichel smelled blood and attacked, pinning Freire against the cage and landing another big knee, though Freire got away. Weichel continued his attack and landed another flush right cross. When it seemed Freire was about to be knocked out or lose his title, the Brazilian threw a diabolically fast, sudden, short left hook that shattered Weichel's chin, causing him to crumple with his hands out and then fall over on his back like a kid about to make snow angels. Commentator Jimmy Smith screamed “Oh my God!” and lost his mind at the incredible, sudden turnaround. Freire looked to land follow-up punches, but it was unnecessary, as his opponent was as stiff as a corpse. When it comes to fights that lasted two rounds, this was one of the best, also showing the amazing heart and spirit of one of MMA's greatest legends against a highly skilled, dangerous challenger.

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