The Florida Freedom’s Roller Coaster Weekend: Crushing the Gamblers, Stunned by the Mavericks
Picture courtesy of PBR Picture Credit: PBRThe Florida Freedom arrived at UBS Bank Arena for week nine of the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Camping World Teams Series with the belt in tow. They came to “Maverick Days” with two goals: first, to sweep their most recent rivals, the Austin Gamblers, and then to defend the belt against the host #ConcreteCowboys, the New York Mavericks, in the “Battle for the Belt” to close out the weekend. The weekend was a rollercoaster of emotions, and the Freedom left with a story to tell.
The Florida Freedom’s flock soared on Friday night, sweeping the Austin Gamblers for the fourth time this season. The FrFreedom secured the historic-20 20-win league recordith four successful rides to Austin’s single one. With their final meeting against the Gamblers a decisive victory, the Freedom shifted their focus to the hometown team and a chance to extend their historic winning streak.
The intensity was palpable, even for fans watching at home on CBS’s “Game of the Week.” Before a single bull was bucked, the tone was set by the Florida Freedom’s John Crimber and Mavericks’ closer Marco Rizzo, who met face-to-face in a fierce opening exchange, a moment you can see for yourself here. With the coveted belt on the line, both teams knew it would take a five-on-five battle to determine who would walk away with it.
A clutch ride for “Baby T”
Earlier in the night, Thiago “Baby T” Salgado had dropped to second in the Horse Soldier Bourbon MVP race, but he came back with a vengeance. Paired with the explosive bull Wicked Solo, Thiago faced a wild ride out of the chute. Wicked Solo exploded to the left, trying with every jump and kick to send Baby T to the dirt before the 8-second whistle. But Thiago was ready, countering each move with skill and precision. The arena erupted as his score of 88 points was announced, and he celebrated with his trademark backflip, a moment you can see for yourself in this reel.
Answering the call for the home team, the New York Mavericks sent out their opener, Bob Mitchell. Paired with Say When, Mitchell was more than ready to respond to the Freedom’s opening salvo. As the bull charged left out of the chute, Bob countered every move, staying firmly in his seat for a powerful 87.50-point ride. This clutch performance showed the home crowd that the Mavericks were not going away quietly and were ready for the fight. Watch the great opening ride for yourself in the reel below:
After the Florida Freedom’s Joao Ricardo Vieria hit the dirt early, Leonardo Castro seized the moment for the hometown team. Paired with Boot Barn’s Tyrone, Castro capitalized on his ride. However, the bull did not have the explosive impact of Say When; Castro’s successful 8-second whistle gave the Mavericks the lead. After a quick review, his score of 84.75 points was confirmed, putting the Florida Freedom firmly on the defensive.
The Florida Freedom needed a big ride to reclaim the lead, and Alex Cerqueria delivered. Paired with Socks in a Box, Alex was more than ready to respond to the Mavericks’ momentum. He weathered the storm as the bull exploded out of the chute, staying firmly in his seat and countering every move. After the 8-second whistle, Cerqueira let his trademark arrows fly to celebrate a massive 89-point ride, a performance that put the flock back on top. Check out the ride below:
The #ConcreteCowboys weren’t finished yet. It didn’t take long for them to respond to the Freedom’s lead as Mauricio Moreira was paired with Bam Bam. After Mauricio nodded, Bam Bam charged to the left, and Moreira danced perfectly with the bull for eight seconds. He was clearly excited to reclaim the lead for the home team with an 87.25-point ride, a score that showed the Florida Freedom that this would be a challenging game. You can check out the lead-taking ride here:
The Florida Freedom couldn’t answer Mauricio’s ride, and Joao Henrique Lucas Check out added the final flourish for the Mavericks against Mike’s Motive. As Mike’s Motive burst from the chute to the right, Lucas was ready, countering every jump and twist, staying firmly in his seat until the 8-second whistle. This 86.25-point ride solidified the # ConcreteCowboys’ claim to the belt and delivered the biggest upset in PBR Teams history. Check out the ride here:
The sport of bull riding is famously unpredictable; the bulls don’t follow a script. The Mavericks’ historic upset is a powerful reminder that what looks like a sure thing on paper can change the moment the chute opens.
Congratulations to the #ConcreteCowboys on their victory, but this is far from over. These two teams will meet again at the Kansas City Outlaws’ Outlaw Days. The Florida Freedom will be coming for the belt once again, but can the flock swoop it back to Sunrise?