TRAINING: Cardio in the mornings, followed by MMA training, which mixes wrestling, jiu-jitsu and sparring. In the afternoon I train Muai Thai and at night it’s physical conditioning.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started fighting in 2003 to go to college.

What ranks and titles have you held? Champion of the World Cup of Jiu-Jitsu (2006), 3rd place in the World Jiu Jitsu Sport (2009), Cup Champion Brazil International Olympic Fight (Greco-Roman), Cup Champion Brazil International Olympic Fight (Freestyle), 2 times Champion Cup CBLA (Freestyle), 2nd Place cup CBLA (Greco Roman), 3rd place in the Championship Senior Olympic Fight (2007), 2nd place in Senior Championship Fight Olympic (2008), 3rd place in the Championship Senior Olympic Fight (2010), 3rd place in the Championship Senior Olympic Fight (2011), 2nd place Championship Fight Olympic University (2005), 2 times Champion State Grappling Championship, 4 times Champion Olympic State Championship Fight, 12 times State Champion Wrestling, Champion ABSOLUTE CHALLENGE (Jiu Jitsu), 10 times State Champion Jiu-Jitsu, 3rd Place in the South American Jiu-Jitsu, 3rd place in the Brazilian Championship in Submission wrestling (2010)

Do you have any heroes? Wanderlei Silva

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? A dream come true

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Yes, Physical Education.

What was your job before you started fighting? Teacher.

Favorite grappling technique: Choke

Favorite Striking technique: Spinning kick

•    Pro since 2006

•    Two wins by submission, one by KO

•    Jungle Fight Champion