TRAINING: Morning MMA training at 10:00, Afternoon strength & conditioning training at 5 PM, Striking or Kickboxing at 9:30 PM.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training as a young boy in Luta Livre. A few years later I met the late Carlson Gracie. He supported me and I joined his team. That is when I started my fighting career, and I have never looked back since.

What ranks and titles have you held? 2X Abu Dhabi Veteran, Lutra Live Brazilian Champion, 3X Luta Livre State Champion, some other events as well in no gi.

Do you have any heroes? My Father.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No college education. I stopped going to college to focus my life on MMA.

What was your job before you started fighting? Fighting has always been my life. I am a lifelong martial artist. I used to help my father in his career when I was a boy. My father was a tailor.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Pride Veteran, Deep Veteran, M-1 Veteran, Bitteti Combat Veteran, and Mecca Veteran.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Black Belt Lutra Livre.

Favorite grappling technique: Anaconda Choke

Favorite Striking technique: Flying Knee

•    Seen by many to be the Godfather of the anaconda choke

•    Nine wins by submission

•    Pro since 2001

•    Has fought in DEEP, PRIDE, and Shooto

•    Lost lone PRIDE bout to Hayato Sakurai in 2005