TRAINING: Coach Gordo tells me to train three times a day and I do like five trainings. That’s what I’ve learned in my life… I train more than usual because the life of a champion is not the day you become one, and it’s not only about happiness; you have to go through a lot of pain and tiredness to be able to overcome all that.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I was an orphan in Brazil until my master Dárcio Lira picked me up from the streets and let me train in his gym. I cleaned the mats and the rest of the dojo, even though I didn’t have to. I enjoyed the training and quickly became very good at it. Today, fighting is my life!

What ranks and titles have you held? #1 ranked middleweight in Germany, BJJ black belt under Dárcio Lira (FJJTEC), Tapout Fight Team Germany Member, La Onda “Manto Cup” 8-man tournament winner (2009), FFA European Middleweight Champion (2008)

Do you have any heroes? Jesus

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I can’t believe it, it is awesome, it is like winning the lottery. I always wanted to fight in the UFC…It is a gift from God, which I’ll grab with all my strength.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to the University of Jiu-Jitsu. ;)

What was your job before you started fighting? I was teaching jiu-jitsu and working as a bouncer.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? I won around fifty regional tournaments in jiu-jitsu between 1996 and 2008.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? I held the FFA European middleweight title and won the La Onda “Manto Cup”, a single-night, eight-man tournament.

Favorite grappling technique: Kimura.

Favorite Striking technique: Spinning backfist.