Denzel Freeman Record: 7-2-0

LFA title run

Freeman rebuilt his momentum on the regional circuit, submitting Steven Asplund with a second-round rear-naked choke at LFA 193 in September 2024. That win set up the defining night of his career: at LFA 204 in March 2025 he dethroned reigning champion Hugo Cunha, overwhelming the Brazilian with constant pressure, volume punching and a smothering ground attack before earning a second-round TKO to claim the LFA heavyweight title. The championship performance put him squarely on the UFC's radar.

The UFC arrival

Freeman got his promotional debut in November 2025 on a UFC Fight Night card in Qatar, where he outworked the previously unbeaten Marek Bujło over three rounds to take a unanimous decision and announce himself at the highest level. The follow-up proved far tougher: at UFC 324 in January 2026 he met another undefeated prospect in Josh Hokit and was stopped by knees and punches in the first round, a reminder of how unforgiving the heavyweight division can be.

Fighting style

Freeman is a wrestling-first heavyweight who leans on pressure, control and a heavy top game. His finish breakdown – four knockouts, one submission and two decisions across seven wins, a 71% finish rate – reflects a fighter comfortable winning in multiple ways, whether grinding from top position or punching through openings in the clinch. The Greco-Roman background shows in his ability to close distance and wear opponents down, while his cardio and volume tend to swing later rounds in his favor. His vulnerabilities have shown up against quick, powerful finishers: both of his losses came against undefeated opponents, including a first-round stoppage that exposed the risks of fighting at heavyweight against rising punchers.

Career highlights

• LFA heavyweight champion — dethroned Hugo Cunha by second-round TKO at LFA 204 to win the title and earn his UFC contract.
• Winning UFC debut — outpointed previously unbeaten Marek Bujło over three rounds in Qatar to open his Octagon career with a victory.
• Marine and multi-sport pedigree — a U.S. Marine Corps officer and former WWE/NXT developmental talent who reached the UFC on the strength of a deep wrestling background.