TRAINING: Technical training in the morning, strength and conditioning in the evening.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started when I was 12 because I just could not imagine doing anything else but fighting.

What ranks and titles have you held? I never ranked in any discipline but I’ve got titles in boxing, wrestling and grappling

Do you have any heroes? Yes, Jesus Christ is my hero.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? The best thing that could ever happen in my career. I will give everything I’ve got in my UFC career. Also thanks to Joe Silva for giving me a shot.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Unfortunately I had to leave school in order to be a professional fighter.

What was your job before you started fighting? I had many different temporary jobs but only to afford training.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? I have over 30 boxing fights; I won a couple of wrestling and jiu jitsu tournaments too.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition?  In my MMA career I’ve got many titles in the Heavyweight division (where I started at), Light Heavyweight and Middleweight. I fought in some of the biggest organizations in Brazil

Ranks in any martial arts styles: I never worked to rank in martial arts; I always wanted to train to improve, not worrying about the rankings.

Favorite grappling technique: Triangle

Favorite Striking technique: Flying Knee