UFC fighters walk into the octagon in front of millions of people. Everything about their appearance is deliberate. The walkout, the shorts, the tattoos, and the hair. A fighter's haircut is part of their identity, their brand, and their presence in the cage.
The Freedom 250 card has seven fights and a range of styles from clean buzz cuts to bold, statement-making looks. If you have ever watched a fight and thought "I want that cut," here is how to describe it to your barber.
Ilia Topuria: The Textured Crop
Topuria is 17-0 and fighting for the lightweight title in the main event. His hair is as disciplined as his record.
Topuria wears a textured crop with a mid to high fade on the sides. The top is kept short with natural texture, usually around two to three inches. It is styled forward with light product for a clean, effortless look. The sides are tight and the blend is precise.
How to ask for it: Tell your barber you want a textured crop with a mid fade. Keep the top short enough to style forward with minimal effort. Ask for texture rather than a blunt, flat finish on top. This cut works best with straight to slightly wavy hair. If you have very curly hair, the crop will look different on you, which is fine, but talk to your barber about how the texture will behave at that length.
Maintenance: Every two to three weeks. The fade needs regular attention and the top needs trimming to keep the textured shape clean.
Who it works for: This is one of the most versatile cuts for men. It works across face shapes, is professional enough for corporate environments, and casual enough for weekends. If you want a low-maintenance cut that looks sharp without much effort, this is it.
Justin Gaethje: The Buzz Cut
Gaethje keeps it simple. Short buzz, no fuss, no maintenance required.
His buzz cut is clipped uniformly short all around, usually a number two or three guard. No fade, no taper, no design. Just short hair, even all the way around. It is the most practical haircut in combat sports and Gaethje wears it like the no-nonsense fighter he is.
How to ask for it: Tell your barber you want a buzz cut with a number two or three guard all over. Clean up the neckline and around the ears. That is it. This is a five-minute cut.
Maintenance: Whenever it starts feeling too long. Every two to four weeks depending on how tight you like it.
Who it works for: Buzz cuts work on men with well-shaped heads and strong jawlines. If your skull has bumps or flat spots, a buzz cut will expose them. Try it once and see how it looks. If the shape works, it is the easiest cut to maintain. If you are not sure about your head shape, ask your barber before committing. They will be honest.
Alex Pereira: Short Sides With Length on Top
Pereira is going for history in the co-main event, trying to become the first three-division UFC champion. His hair carries the same boldness as his fighting style.
Pereira has worn several styles over his career but typically keeps shorter sides with enough length on top to style back or to the side. The sides are clean but not faded to skin. The top has volume and movement. He often pulls it back or lets it fall naturally, depending on the event.
How to ask for it: Tell your barber you want short sides, not faded to skin, with three to four inches on top. Ask for enough length to push back or part to the side. This cut requires product to style. A medium-hold pomade or styling cream works well.
Maintenance: Every three to four weeks. The sides need trimming to maintain the contrast with the top.
Who it works for: Men with thick hair get the best results with this style. The volume on top needs density to look full. If your hair is fine or thin, you can still get this cut but the top will lay flatter and you may need a volumizing product to achieve the same look.
Ciryl Gane: The Clean Shave
Gane keeps his head completely shaved. Smooth, clean, no hair at all.
A fully shaved head is a statement in its own right. It is confident, clean, and removes hair from the equation entirely. Gane is a big man and the shaved head complements his frame. It also eliminates any grip advantage an opponent might have in the clinch, which is a practical consideration in heavyweight fighting.
How to ask for it: You do not need a barber for this, technically. But a barber can give you a cleaner shave than you can do yourself, especially on the back of your head. Ask for a full head shave with a straight razor or foil shaver. Many barbershops offer this as a standalone service.
Maintenance: Every two to four days if you want it smooth. A shaved head requires regular upkeep. Letting it grow for a week creates a shadow that changes the look significantly.
Who it works for: Men who are already experiencing thinning or hair loss often look better with a shaved head than they do fighting to keep their remaining hair styled. If you have been thinking about it, the shaved head is almost always a better look than a combover or thinning hair pulled forward.
Sean O'Malley: The Bold Statement
O'Malley is the most visually distinctive fighter on the card. His hair is part of his brand.
O'Malley has become known for colourful, attention-grabbing styles. Bleached sections, vibrant colour, longer lengths styled in different configurations depending on the event. His look changes frequently and each version is a deliberate style choice.
How to ask for it: This depends entirely on which O'Malley era you are referencing. Bring a photo. Seriously. His styles range from bleached blonde with undercuts to multi-coloured mohawk-adjacent looks. A photo is the only way to communicate which version you want.
Be aware that colour treatments require a separate appointment and additional cost. Bleaching and colouring is a process, especially if you have dark hair. Your barber may refer you to a colourist or a salon that specializes in men's colour work.
Maintenance: High. Colour fades. Roots grow in. Bold styles need frequent touch-ups to maintain the look. If you are going for an O'Malley-level statement, budget for monthly colour maintenance on top of your regular haircut schedule.
Who it works for: Men who want to stand out. This is not a subtle look. It requires confidence and a willingness to maintain it. In professional environments, this style draws attention. Make sure that is what you want before committing.
Michael Chandler: The Short and Clean
Chandler keeps a short, conservative cut that is all business. Cropped tight on the sides with a short top, sometimes with a slight taper. Clean, professional, no distractions.
How to ask for it: Tell your barber you want a short crew cut with a taper on the sides. Keep the top around one inch. This is a classic American style that requires minimal product and minimal maintenance.
Maintenance: Every two to three weeks. The short length means growth is noticeable quickly.
Who it works for: This works for every face shape and every professional setting. It is the default haircut for men who want to look clean without thinking about styling their hair.
Bo Nickal: The Clean Cut Wrestler
Nickal comes from a wrestling background and his hair reflects that discipline. Short, practical, and out of the way. Similar to Chandler in approach but sometimes kept slightly longer on top with a natural, unstyled finish.
How to ask for it: Ask for a short cut with a taper, one to two inches on top, natural finish. No product needed. This is a wash-and-go style.
Maintenance: Every three to four weeks.
Who it works for: Active, athletic men who do not want to think about their hair. Gym, training, outdoor activities. This cut survives all of it without needing to be restyled.
Watching the Fights in Toronto
UFC Freedom 250 airs on Paramount+ at 8:00 PM ET on Sunday, June 14. Bars across Toronto will have the fights on. If you are planning a watch party or heading out for the card, get your cut the day before.
Saturday June 13 is going to be a busy day at barbershops across the city. Between guys getting fresh for the weekend and guys getting lined up before the UFC watch party, expect demand.
Book your appointment today at any Rendezvous location. Bring a photo of the fighter whose cut you want and your barber will break down whether it works for your hair type and face shape. Five locations across Toronto. Book online at rendezvousbarbers.com.
