Early career Freire compiled a 12–2 record prior to signing with
Shooto. This included a 1–1 record against Jose Luis Nogueira and a 4-fight grand prix tournament victory held over the course of one night. In July 2007, Freire made his Shooto debut against
Hacran Dias, his future
Nova Uniao team-mate. Freire lost via unanimous decision. This was his final defeat before an 11 fight win streak, prior to joining the UFC. After a non-title fight against Mikael Lähdesmäki, which Freire won via unanimous decision, Freire faced Yusuke Endo for the second time in his first title defence. Freire was declared the winner via split decision (29–28, 28–29, 29–27) and immediately vacated the title, as he had already signed with the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Freire signed with the
Ultimate Fighting Championship which was announced in June 2010. He was scheduled to make his debut against
Thiago Tavares at
UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko in August, but would later withdraw with injury. Since Tavares was left without an opponent, he too was pulled from the event. In November 2010, Freire was cleared to compete after recovering from his knee injury. Freire faced
Waylon Lowe in his UFC debut on January 22, 2011, at
UFC Fight Night 23. Freire was released from the UFC following this loss.
DREAM Freire was expected to face
Shinya Aoki on May 29, 2011, at DREAM Fight for Japan!. The fight was called off due to visa issues. Freire was set to fight
Tatsuya Kawajiri on July 16, 2011, at
Dream.17 but a hand injury forced him off the card. Freire ultimately made his DREAM debut at
Dream 17 against
Satoru Kitaoka. He lost the fight via split decision. ==Championships and accomplishments==