TRAINING: I’m finishing my camp in Curitiba - 3 days a week MMA with my head coach Dida, some specific Muay Thai sessions and I'm going to São Paulo for some days with my master Fabio Gurgel to train some JJ and submission wrestling too.

When and why did you start training to become a fighter? When I was 15 years old, I began watching Royce and Rickson fighting MMA, I was enchanted seeing a skinny guy beating a big guy without being hit. They used to take guys down and submit them. I was skinny too and thought that could be my art.

What ranks and titles have you held? Three-time Jiu Jitsu Black Belt World Champion

Do you have any heroes? HULK and WOLVERINE

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? A dream that’s coming true. It is the beginning of my journey. I have a lot of dreams, like to give a better life to my kids and my parents, and I know that the UFC will help me to realize them.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Second degree incomplete.

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked as the person who charges people on a bus, in a grocery and in a flea market.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition?  World Jiu-Jitsu Champion in different belt divisions and Muay Thai Champion in São Paulo

Favorite grappling technique: Rear Naked Choke

Favorite Striking technique: High Kick

•    Team Vitor member on TUF Brazil, was switched to Team Wanderlei late in the season

•    Brought back to fight in TUF Brazil 1 finals after injury to Daniel Sarafian

•    Pro since 2006

• Seven wins by submission

•    Defeated Kron Gracie at 2008 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships