TRAINING: I wake up and head to the gym. There I choose which discipline to work on for the day. I go over some technical training and then have a session with more contact. I finish by reviewing more technique. When I'm done I go home and rest, and later I do some more physical training.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started when I was 13 years old, after watching a Kickboxing class in a Gym in Argentina. I have always practiced sports, and this one in particular caught my attention. That was when I started training.

What ranks and titles have you held? Purple belt in Jiu-jitsu. Titles: Champion of the Nitrix (77kg), Champion of the BlackMonster (77Kg), Champion of the São José SuperFight (77Kg), Champion of the GP Insano of MMA (77Kg), Estate of Santa Catarina Boxe Champion

Do you have any heroes? Rodrigo Minotauro and Wanderlei Silva (MMA) Messi and Maradona (others)

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It is a dream coming true.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Yes, Physical Education (incomplete)

What was your job before you started fighting? I did just about everything. I taught, worked in security, was a doorman, assistant cook, books salesman. Just about everything you can think of.

Favorite grappling technique: Double leg

Favorite striking technique: Overhand

• Team Nogueira member on TUF Brazil 2

• Broke his hand in semifinal bout on TUF Brazil 2 and was unable to compete in the finals.

• Nickname means “Nice guy”

• Pro since 2008

• 11 wins by KO, six by submission

• Loss to LaFlare snapped eight fight winning streak

• Lone pre-UFC loss came against UFC vet Leonardo Mafra in 2011

• 11 first round finishes