Emmanuel Sanchez is ready to cash in on his title-shot opportunity after Bellator featherweight champion Patricio Freire called him out after Bellator 203.

Following Freire’s (27-4 MMA, 15-4 BMMA) successful title defense against Daniel Weichel (39-10 MMA, 8-2 BMMA) on Saturday, “Pitbull” told MMAjunkie he was tired of rematches and wanted to fight fresh competition next. He immediately named Sanchez (17-3 MMA, 9-2 BMMA) as the frontrunner for the opportunity.

It didn’t take long for Sanchez, who has won his past four bouts, to catch wind of that news and take the Brazilian up on his offer. The 27-year-old made it clear he wants his crack at Bellator gold, and he promised to make the most of it (via <a href="

It’s time for a new featherweight champion.

It’s time for the new king to reign supreme.

I am @bellatormma entertainment, the most active fighter on the roster, the toughest road to gold, and the rose that grew from concrete.

It’s my time🏆🤴🏽🔥💀🇲🇽👊🏽💪🏽 ⚔🦈🐂🦂🐍🐆

Bellator 203 took place at Foro Italico in Romem and Freire vs. Weichel headlined the card, which aired via same-day delay on Paramount.

During two Bellator title reigns and 15 wins with the promotion, Freire has fought and beaten many of the best featherweights on the Bellator roster, and in some cases, beaten them twice.

What Freire has never done, though, is defeat Sanchez. “El Matador” has been on quite a run in recent years. He’s 7-1 in his past eight fights with the only blemish on his resume a split-decision loss to Weichel at Bellator 159 in June 2016.

Sanchez could bring something different to the table for Freire. He thrives in the submission game and has never been stopped inside the distance in any of his losses. After being specifically named by the champ, it’s clear Sanchez, his management and team at Roufusport feel prepared to capture the gold (via <a href="

Congratulations to Pit Bull Freire on your successful Title Defense Last Night at #bellator203 in Rome. He has been one of the Long Time Standout Stars Of @bellatormma to be the man man you have to beat the man. @matadorsanchez is next in line to fight for the #bellatormma Featherweight Championship. We are excited to face him for the #bellatormma Featherweight Championship. Just waiting on a date while #emmanuelsanchez keeps putting the work in! This match up is gonna be 🔥

For complete coverage of Bellator 203, check out the MMA Events section of the site.