Manoel Sousa

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started when I was 17; it has always been my dream since I was a kid. I used to hit old bags with sand in it. I used to live in very poor conditions my whole life. I've been in a war since I was born to survive with my family, as life was never easy for me.

What professional titles have you held? Standout Fighting Tournament lightweight champion, many kickboxing titles (my record is 26-0)

Any belts/ranks in grappling disciplines? Brown belt in BJJ

Any belts/ranks in striking disciplines? Brown belt in Muay Thai

What has been your toughest fight to date and why? I believe it was against Mauricio Ruffy, the only fight where I was knocked down.

Who is your favorite fighter and why? Khabib, for everything he’s done.

Do you have any heroes outside of fighting? My father.

Beyond a championship or money, what motivates you? I want to leave my legacy. Khabib Nurmagomedov, because his career and the way he trained inspired me.

What was your job before you started fighting? I had many jobs before, like opening coconuts with my hands in Ceara! I used to open 1,000 coconuts every day to make like $10. It was really hard. After moving to Sao Paulo, I used to work in a bakery during the nights because I had to train during the day.

Origin of nickname: It was given to me by a teammate

Personal Life/Background: I have 18 brothers and sisters, no kids yet. All I do is for my team and my mom.

Who are 3 people you'd love to meet or work with? Khabib Nurmagomedov, Dana White, Mike Tyson

What are your hobbies, activities or other interests when not training for a fight? If I'm not training, I'm resting. I've been dreaming about fighting for the UFC for a long time. I have nothing, I lived at the gym for 8 years. I train, eat, sleep, and repeat. I live 100-percent for it.