They all had a base in folk not free. And randy was Greco not free in international.
Its fair to say they had a base in folk bc they all probably competed in more folkstyle matches than freestyle matches, but aside from the fact that folk and free and extremely similar, almost identical, in terms of takedowns, almost all of the guys mentioned are highly accomplished freestylers from a young age.
World champ Cejudo- Obviously a freestyle Olympic champ but also a 3x High School national champ in freestyle.
World champ Cormier- Obviously a highly accomplished freestyler as an adult but also a high school all American in freestyle, state champ in freestyle, and actually a high school national champ and world medalist in Greco.
World champ Couture- not aware of any significant freestyle creds.
World champ Woodley- High School all American in freestyle, university all American in freestyle, senior level all American in freestyle.
World champ Hughes- not aware of any significant freestyle creds.
World champ Dillashaw- High School all American in freestyle.
The difference between free and folk is in the rules once the match hits the mat. The takedowns featured in each sport are exactly the same but the points awarded are different from free to folk.