When and why did you start training for fighting? I've been fighting since I was three years old, as everyone in my family has a fighting background; I have an uncle who is one of the few red-and-black belts in Jiu-Jitsu in the world, my cousin Wendell Alexander co-founded the Nova União fight team with Andre Pederneiras, and my other aunts, uncles and cousins all grew up doing martial arts. I was raised to be a martial artist, and fighting is the foundation of my identity.

 

What ranks and titles have you held? IFL featherweight champion, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion, third degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Wendell Alexander and Andre Pederneiras.

 

Do you have any heroes? David, who beat Goliath.

 

What is your favorite technique? Chokes

 

What does it mean for you to fight in the WEC? It simply means I have reached the pinnacle of competition, as the WEC is the greatest event for my weight class in the world. It is an honor.

 

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I did not go to college.

 

What was your job before you started fighting? Before fighting MMA I was a Jiu-Jitsu teacher.

 

Most memorable professional fight (who, where, why)? For sure the most memorable fight for me was the fight with LC Davis, when I won the IFL World featherweight title. It was most memorable for that reason: I became champion.

 

What was your most challenging professional fight (against who, when, what was the outcome)?  My most challenging professional fight was probably against Jeff Curran, as it went to a controversial split decision. He's a very tough and great fighter.

 

Did you compete in any other sport(s) at college or professional level (what sport, where, how long)? I was Pan-American and Brazilian champion in Jiu-Jitsu,  and I won the ADCC Brazilian trials in submission grappling

 

Who were your training partners for this fight? Jose Aldo, Marlon Sandro, my brother Leonardo Santos, Andre Pederneiras, Ronys Torres and more than ten good training partners.

 

Did you put more emphasis towards a fighting style or adjust your training to prepare for your opponent (what did you do differently/why)? No, I train hard always for all opponents.

 

What, other than WINNING, are you using for motivation for the fight? What is your favorite thing about this sport? My family.

 

How long do you see yourself staying in this sport? I see myself staying in the sport for as long as I can, for as long as my body is strong. Hopefully I'll be like Randy Couture, fighting when I'm in my 40’s. I feel good now so we'll see.