Photo: personal archive
Willamy “Chiquerim” Freire dispensed of his Shooto World belt so he could join the ranks of the UFC. He promotional debut was supposed to be against Thiago Tavares on August 1, but a knee injury forced the fighter to pull out. Nearly 100%, Chiquerim should set foot in the Octagon in November.
“I’ve successfully recovered. I responded well and I’m even starting to practice boxing. I’m going to do my final physiotherapy sessions and I hope the UFC makes me a fight so I can get to work. My predicted return is to be at the first event after November 15. Dedé (André Pederneiras) should be back soon with the date and opponent,” he tells GRACIEMAG.com.
Over the Brazilian’s twenty-fight history, he has never been injured. Having to postpone his UFC debut was a hard knock.
“It was something I’d never felt before because I’d never had to pull out of a fight due to injury. It comes with being an athlete, but you don’t expect it. It was really hard on me because it was right after I got into the UFC. It was a huge disappointment, but I have faith in God, so I think it may have been for the best,” he says.
“I’d like to thank my family, who have helped me a lot, and the entire team and you at GRACIEMAG.com for always supporting me,” he says in finishing.