Report: ‘Chiquerim’ Cut by UFC After Unsuccessful Debut
Chris Nelson Jan 29, 2011
Willamy “Chiquerim” Freire (top) | Taro
Irei/Sherdog.com
On Jan. 22, eight months after signing with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Willamy “Chiquerim” Freire made his long-awaited debut for the promotion. One week later, it appears the former Shooto champion will be one-and-done inside the Octagon.
According to a report from Brazilian website Tatame.com.br, Freire has been released by the UFC following his unanimous decision loss to Waylon Lowe at UFC “Fight for the Troops 2.”
Freire, 23, was originally slated to meet countryman Thiago Tavares in August at UFC Live 2 but was forced to withdraw after suffering a knee injury in practice. After mending, Chiquerim went up against Lowe, a three-time NCAA Div. II champion who used his wrestling skills to dominate position throughout three rounds and earn scores of 29-28 across the board.
A member of noted Brazilian team Nova Uniao, Freire rose to prominence fighting for the Shooto organization. Having finished three straight opponents in Shooto Brazil, Chiquerim traveled to Japan in May 2009 and took out Shooto Pacific Rim champion Yusuke Endo. That October, the Brazilian claimed the Shooto 154-pound world title with a doctor stoppage win against Kenichiro Togashi. After taking a split decision over Endo in their May 2010 rematch, Chiquerim relinquished his title on the spot and announced his intention to join the UFC.
Freire’s loss to Lowe was his first since July 2007, when he dropped a unanimous decision to future teammate Hacran Dias. The defeat snapped an 11-fight win streak, during which Freire finished eight of his opponents.
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