When and why did you start training for fighting? I had a health problem when I was a child and a doctor said to me that I had to do sports. I started with judo at about eight, nine years old and at about 13, 14 years old I started Jiu-Jitsu with Dedé.

What ranks and titles have you held? I was World champion of Jiu-Jitsu at 17 years old (blue belt). I qualified for the European Open Championship of Judo at 14 years old, and I won some State championships in judo and Jiu-Jitsu.

Do you have any heroes? I have a person who I admire the most, André Pederneiras, my coach.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Any athlete’s dream is to be in the most important MMA event. It´s a dream coming true. It is also an opportunity to help and give a better life for the people that I love.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No

What was your job before you started fighting? I am still a cook.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Winner of GP of MMA - SPARTA in Peru, and the fight when I won my nickname "Açougueiro" with Valcenir Nicanor; it was a difficult fight.

Favorite grappling technique: Takedowns, Judo throw

Favorite Striking technique: Straight punch

• Team Nogueira on TUF Brazil 4

• Pro since 2007

• Has won five of his last seven

• Nine wins by submission (Heel hook, 2 guillotine, 3 RNC, Anaconda, arm triangle, undisclosed submission)

• Five first round finishes

• Nickname means “butcher” in Portuguese