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.
Shooto
Freire was scheduled to face Peter Angerer for the SHIDO MMA Welterweight Championship in May 2007. However, just prior to the fight, he was knocked unconscious in training and suffered a deep cut, so he had to withdraw. 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 the Shooto Welterweight Championship was vacated, Freire faced Kenichiro Togashi for the title. After 2:05 of the first round, Freire was declared the winner via TKO, gaining him the title. 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 and immediately vacated the title, as he had already signed with the UFC.
Freire signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship which was announced in June 2010. He was scheduled to make his debut against Thiago Tavares at 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. He lost the fight via unanimous decision and will be out indefinitely after injuring his right hand and right cheekbone. 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.
