TRAINING: I'm training a lot at Nova Uniao. We have 3 sessions of training on some days.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training MMA in 2007. I needed money to keep myself training, and MMA paid better. This is what I want to do - keep training and fighting. I feel better when I train and think I'm getting better every day.

What ranks and titles have you held? Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. 

1 x Gold, Brazilian BJJ National Championship, 2002
1 x Silver, Brazilian BJJ National Championship, 2005
1 x Bronze, World BJJ Championship, 2005
1 x Gold, Sao Paulo BJJ Championship, 2005
1 x Silver, BJJ European Championship, 2007
1 x Silver, Open Division, BJJ European Championship, 2007
1 x Gold, British National BJJ Championship, 2007
1 x Gold, BJJ Southern Open, 2007
1 x Gold, Southern Brazil BJJ Tournament, 2008
1 x Bronze, International BJJ Rio Open, 2008
1 x Gold, South American BJJ Championship, 2009
1 x Silver, South American BJJ Championship, 2009
1 x Gold, World BJJ Championship, 2009
Submission 1000 Champion,2011
1x Silver, Naga, 2011
1x Bronze, Naga,2011

 

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It was my dream to fight in UFC and I worked hard for this moment. Now I have a great responsibility to represent my country.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I don't have degree, but I want to get one, perhaps in physical education.

What was your job before you started fighting? I’ve always been in the fight game. I have been teaching jiu jitsu.