TRAINING: BJJ, Boxing, Wrestling, Strength & Conditioning

Thoughts on opponent, Darren Elkins? I think it’s going to be an exciting fight. He’s tough and he’s a great wrestler, and I don’t want to give him a chance to take me down anytime he wants to, so I want to be able to finish the fight as quick as possible. I want to show the world I’m one of the top fighters at 145.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training BJJ at the age of 14 after my daddy died. I loved to watch the early UFC and Pride fights and always looked up to Wanderlei Silva. When I was 16 I started fighting professionally to make money for my family.

What ranks and titles have you held? TUF 14 featherweight winner. I have a black belt in BJJ, I won the No GI NAGA 2x.

Do you have any heroes? My hero is Wanderlei Silva, because he always puts on a good show. I also look up to Mike Tyson because our lives growing up were similar. If he can make it, I can make it.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? This means everything. Over three years ago, I left my family and Brazil to train at Jackson / Winkeljohn MMA and to get to my dream of the UFC.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No, fighting is my life

What was your job before you started fighting? I used to mix and pour concrete. There were no machines in Brazil to do this.

Favorite grappling technique: Sweeps

Favorite Striking technique: overhand

•    Team Bisping member on TUF 14

•    Nine wins by KO, four by submission

•    Has fought UFC vets Ronys Torres and Matt Veach

•    Knocked out UFC vet Brian Foster in 2008 bout

•    Was on three fight pre-TUF winning streak

•    Won Fight of the Night and Submission of the Night for win over Bermudez