Close Thumbnails

Getty Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this image or clip. If you violate our intellectual property you may be liable for: actual damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of this image or clip, and, where appropriate, the costs of collection and/or statutory damages up to $150,000 (USD).

photo 1 of 54

Rich Attonito & Rafael Natal

Rafael Natal

TRAINING: On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I'm doing Muay Thai or practicing conditioning in the morning. In the afternoon I train jiu-jitsu, and at night I work out, run or swim. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I practice MMA sparring in the morning and wrestling at night. Saturday I either do jiu-jitsu with or without a GI or practice MMA. And on Sundays I rest all day.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started when I was 14 years old, practicing Capoeira. Six years later I realized that I needed to train in Jiu-Jitsu because when someone took me down I didn't know what to do. After training for three years, I became a Jiu-Jitsu world champion. After observing Renzo, Mark Kerr, Royce and other guys fighting, I started to train in MMA because I realized that I needed this type of training.

What ranks and titles have you held? Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Grappling: Black Belt under Vinicius Draculino Magalhães and Renzo Gracie, Three Time Champion of Minas Gerais Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Three Time Champion Brazil LBJJ, Champion Absolute Brazil LBJJ, Two Time Champion de Equipes Brazil CBJJ, Mundial Champion CBJJ, Champion of Submission Champions League, Champion of the National Submission Tournament, Two Time Champion of the Pan Americans Submission Tournament CBJJ in New York, Two Time Champion Absolute in Grapplers Quest in New York, Champion of the Pan Americans Submission Tournament Absolute CBJJ in New York

Do you have any heroes? My mother and my father.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? This is my dream come true. Now I can show everybody who Rafael Sapo is.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No.

What was your job before you started fighting? I started working at the age of 12 in my mom's store, where I worked for 8 years.

Favorite grappling technique: Jiu-Jitsu

Favorite Striking technique: Boxing and Muay Thai