TRAINING: I'm training three times a day for this fight. In the morning, I train MMA at Evolução Thai Team with André Dida. In the afternoon, Jiu-jitsu and wrestling with Sergio Moraes. And in the evening I train my conditioning wtih Rafael Ferreira. 

When and why did you start training to become a fighter? I started training at the age of 23. I started with kickboxing, but there were far too many rules, so I chose MMA instead.

What ranks and titles have you held? 3 times Brasilia kickboxing champion, Jungle Fight lightweight champion. Black belt in kickboxing, brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu

Do you have any heroes? Ataide Júnior , Minotauro Nogueira, Wanderlei Silva and Anderson Silva

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? For me, the UFC is the beginning of a dream, in which the ending will be me with the belt around my waist.

What was your job before you started fighting? I’ve worked as a guard, pizzaiolo (pizza maker) and as a field worker

Favorite grappling technique: arm triangle

• Team Wanderlei member on TUF Brazil

• Pro since 2006

• Eight wins by KO, five by submission (3 arm triangle, anaconda, kneebar)

• Has won nine of his last 11

• Lone pre-UFC loss came via submission to UFC vet Iuri Alcantara in September of 2010

• Seven first round finishes

• Nickname means Brazilian redwood