Francisco Trinaldo Calls Out Perry, Pettis, Lee for Next Bare Knuckle MMA Bout

Francisco Trinaldo seems to have found a new passion in the world of bare knuckle MMA.

One of the most popular fighters on Season 1 of “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil,” Trinaldo parted ways with the UFC in 2022, some 10 years after his debut. Thirteen months later he made his bare knuckle foray at Gamebred Fighting Championship 6, where he defeated Sasha Palatnikov via technical knockout 1:55 into Round 1 when his opponent suffered a knee injury.

“I love to fight MMA without gloves, but I have to recognize that, after 13 months without fighting, I was nervous in the beginning,” Trinaldo told Sherdog.com. “But as soon as my opponent hit me, I woke up and started to have fun. I was prepared for a bloody war, but it was not necessary. I loved the experience and I can't wait for [Jorge] Masvidal to decide who will be my next opponent.”

“Massaranduba” had no problem revealing a list of names he has targeted as potential adversaries.

“I'm 45 [years old]. I already did 39 MMA fights with a [good showing] in the UFC. I think I deserve to face opponents to make great shows,” he said. “I would love to shut up Mike Perry. I saw his sparring with Lyoto [Machida] and could see that he has problems with southpaw fighters. I’m sure he would have problems with my left hand.

“Another guy I would love to face is Anthony Pettis. I already called him out many times in the UFC, and he always ran from me. Kevin Lee would also be a great name. He beat me in 2017, and I would love to have revenge without gloves in 2024.”

No matter who he faces next, Trinaldo plans on returning to action soon.

"I must fight at the same event [where Junior dos Santos] will fight for the belt in January,” he said. “I truly hope one of them accepts [the offer] to face me and after beating my next opponent, I will have a chance to fight for the belt just like ‘Cigano.’”

Three of Trinaldo’s American Top Team stablemates will be competing for $1 million at Friday’s PFL Championships: Renan Ferreira, Joshua Silveira and Magomed Magomedkerimov. The Brazilian predicted victory for two of his three teammates.

"Since Renan arrived at ATT, he is finally having real heavyweights to train with and he is evolving a lot. His hands are precise and powerful. I believe he will surprise [Denis] Goltsov by controlling the distance, knocking him out and getting the heavyweight title,” Trinaldo said. “I consider Joshua as the guy who evolved [significantly] at ATT in the last two years. He will bring surprises to [Impa] Kasanganay and get the win. In the welterweight division, Maga is such a tough dude, very hard to fight against, but I believe Sadibou Sy evolved a lot last year and I think he will be able to win.”