Gregory Rodrigues

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training when I was five years old with my dad in capoeira. At eight years old I started training jiu-jitsu under Senseí Henrique Machado in Manaus, Brazil (He is Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza’s jiu-jitsu coach). I’ve always competed a lot in jiu-jitsu and I won many important titles in jiu-jitsu. I was an eight-time national jiu-jitsu champion, jiu-jitsu world champion, professional world champion in Abu Dhabi and I got second place in Pan-American wrestling. Since then, I never stopped training. In 2014, I moved to Rio de Janeiro to start my professional MMA career.

What professional titles have you held?  LFA Middleweight champion, Smash Global Middleweight champion

Any accomplishments in amateur combat sports? 8x national jiu-jítsu champion, IBJJF world champion at purple belt

Any belts/ranks in grappling disciplines? Jiu-Jítsu black belt

What has been your toughest fight to date and why? My toughest fight was in Brazil, 2015. It was my 3rd professional fight, and that time, I was excited because my dad had plans to watch me fight live for the first time. But he passed away one week before this fight. That was my toughest fight because I was so sad because I lost my dad.

Who is your favorite fighter and why? I have a few favorites. Anderson Silva was a huge inspiration for me before I even started my journey in MMA — the way he moved, his confidence, his creativity. He showed the world the art inside the fight. Right now, I really like the style of Ilia Topuria. He’s very complete and fights with intelligence and precision. During fight weeks, I also get locked in on boxing. I enjoy watching guys like Canelo Álvarez and Dmitry Bivol — high-level fighters who understand distance, timing, and composure. I’m always studying.

Do you have any heroes outside of fighting? Without a doubt, my parents. They sacrificed everything to give me and my brothers the best life possible. Everything I am — my discipline, my faith, my work ethic — started with them. I’m especially grateful for my father, Pedro Rodrigues, who passed away in 2015. His lessons still guide me every day. And my mother, Silvana Santos, who still lives in Manaus — she is my strength. Everything I do is also to honor them.

Is there a cause that you want to use your platform for? Yes. I truly believe the Lord Jesus placed me in this position so people can know Him through my life. Fighting is only a small part of it. I see my career as a gift from Him — but it’s not the main purpose. The real purpose is for me to be a man of God in that space. To represent my faith with integrity, character, and humility. If people can see Christ through the way I live, compete, and treat others, that means more to me than any title.

Beyond a championship and money, what motivates you? At the end of the day, what really drives me is going back home knowing I’ve provided for my family. Before I leave for a fight, I look at my wife and tell her, “I’m going there to provide for our home.” That responsibility means everything to me. Becoming a champion will be the result of doing the work the right way. For me, discipline is greater than motivation. Motivation comes and goes — some days you feel it, some days you don’t. But discipline doesn’t let you stop. Discipline is what keeps me consistent, focused, and moving forward no matter what.

What was your job before you started fighting? Since childhood I was an athlete. My job was to train and to compete.

Tell us about your life outside of fighting? I love spending time with my family. My wife, Jessica, and my daughter, Serena, are my partners in everything — we do life together. We’re very involved in our church and serving the Lord Jesus is the most important part of my life. Helping others, supporting our community, and living with purpose comes first. We also love to travel, especially back to Brazil to visit family — my mom, my siblings, and my wife’s family. Being around people I care about, sharing moments with them, that’s what I enjoy most outside the cage.