TRAINING: I usually wake up in the morning and I do my strength and conditioning training, then I come back home to take some rest. In the evening, I come back to the gym to train wrestling and I stay there until the MMA training that comes right after the wrestling practice. After those practices I come back home to rest to wake up next day early to start another day of fighting.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started fighting MMA at 17, replacing my former teacher who couldn't fight, and I realized I could make my life from fighting MMA.

What ranks and titles have you held? I'm a world champion in Jiu-jitisu, I was elected the best Brazilian in my weight class, and I hold the Jungle Fight and WFE Platinum lightweight belts.

Do you have any heroes? Jesus is my hero but I like Muhammad Ali’s style.

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

What was your job before you started fighting? I used to work as an administrative assistant in a hospital and I taught jiu-jitsu and MMA classes.

Favorite grappling technique: Jiu-jitsu

Favorite striking technique: Boxing

•    Pro since 2004

•    12 wins by KO, three by submission

•    Nine first round finishes

•    Has won seven of his last eight