TRAINING: Boxing training with Luiz Dorea in the morning, starting at 9:00am, rest from 12:30 until 4:00pm. Then BJJ training with Professor Yuri Carlton, then rest.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training when I was 14 years old. In the beginning, I trained for fun because I enjoy jiu-jitsu, but I only started taking it seriously when I started to serve as a sparring partner for some friends who were already fighting.

What ranks and titles have you held? 2nd place in the Brazilian Boxing Championship in 2010 and 2011, and ranked 1st place among heavyweight MMA fighters fighting in Brazil.

Do you have any heroes? My father

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I’m carrying out a personal dream to make a living off fighting and the prospect of being able to help my parents.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I’m currently going to college. I’m on my 10th semester of Law School.

What was your job before you started fighting? Security Guard

•    Pro since 2005

•    Nine wins by knockout, two by submission

•    Training partner of UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos