Paulo Thiago Alencar Antunes[1] (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈpawlu tʃiˈaɡu]; born January 25, 1981) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the Middleweight division of KSW. A professional competitor since 2005, he has also competed for the UFC and Jungle Fight. Thiago is also a member of Polícia Militar do Distrito Federal and works for BOPE, a special forces unit in his hometown of Brasília, Brazil.[5]

Paulo Thiago
Thiago at the SMASH Global IX Fight Night 2019
BornPaulo Thiago Alencar Antunes[1]
(1981-01-25) January 25, 1981 (age 43)
Brasília, DF, Brazil
NicknameCaveira ("Skull")
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight184 lb (83 kg; 13.1 st)
DivisionMiddleweight
Welterweight
Reach74+12 in (189 cm)[2]
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofBrasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
TeamTeam Constrictor
X-Gym (formerly)[3]
RankBlack belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Black belt in Judo[4]
Years active2005–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total30
Wins19
By knockout2
By submission10
By decision7
Losses11
By knockout3
By submission1
By decision7
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

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Thiago is from Brasília, Distrito Federal, and began training in judo when he was five years old.[6]

Mixed martial arts

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Early career

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Thiago made his professional debut at Storm Samurai 8 in 2005. He fought Ricardo Petrucio and won the fight via submission in round three. His next three fights came on the same night almost a year after his debut. Thiago competed in the Grand Prix Planaltina, winning all three of his fights and became the tournament winner. Thiago finished all three of the fights by submission. After two more victories, Thiago was signed by Jungle Fights MMA. Thiago won four fights for the promotion before being signed by the Ultimate Fighting Championships.[7]

He currently trains with the Constrictor Team, an affiliate of Team Black House; the famed gym of Anderson Silva and the Nogueira brothers.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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Thiago never signed a contract before his fight against Koscheck, he was only able to acquire a tryout.[8] Thiago made his UFC debut on February 21, 2009, scoring an upset victory over top contender Josh Koscheck at UFC 95. During the fight, commentator Joe Rogan commented that Thiago's striking looked inferior to Koscheck's. However, Thiago won the fight by KO, with a flush right uppercut and a left hook. The referee stopped the fight before Thiago could pounce on him. Koscheck immediately rose and argued that he was still alert and able to defend himself. Further review of the replay shows Koscheck's eyes roll back as he falls down, giving merit to the stoppage. At the post-fight conference, Dana White confirmed that Thiago had earned Knockout of the Night honors.

Thiago had his second fight in the UFC, fighting against former title challenger and Koscheck teammate Jon Fitch at UFC 100. This was Thiago's first fight in the United States and he lost via unanimous decision.

Thiago rebounded with a unanimous decision victory over UFC newcomer Jacob Volkmann at UFC 106.[9]

In Thiago's fourth outing in the UFC octagon, he was set to have a rematch against Josh Koscheck at UFC 109.[10] However, Koscheck pulled out of the bout after an undisclosed injury and was replaced by AKA teammate Mike Swick.[11] Thiago won via submission (D'arce Choke) in the second round and earned his second UFC fight bonus with the win.

Thiago faced Martin Kampmann on June 12, 2010, at UFC 115 where he lost via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).[12]

Thiago lost his second straight fight via unanimous decision to Diego Sanchez on October 23, 2010, at UFC 121.[13] Though Thiago started the fight off strong by winning the first round, he began to tire and eventually succumbed to the cardio and wrestling skills of Sanchez in the second and third rounds. The bout earned Fight of the Night, awarding both fighters an extra paycheck.

In November 2010, Thiago signed a new four-fight deal with the UFC.[14] Thiago was expected to face Johny Hendricks on March 3, 2011, at UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann.[15] However, Thiago was forced out of the bout with an elbow injury.[16]

Thiago defeated David Mitchell via unanimous decision on August 27, 2011, at UFC 134, completely dominating Mitchell throughout all three rounds.[17]

Thiago was expected to face Mike Pyle on January 14, 2012, at UFC 142.[18] However, Thiago was forced out of the bout with an elbow injury and replaced by Ricardo Funch.[19]

Thiago faced Siyar Bahadurzada on April 14, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV: Gustafsson vs. Silva.[20] He was knocked out less than a minute into the first round after Siyar landed a right hook to the jaw that followed a left jab as Thiago was moving forward. This marked the first time Thiago had been finished in his career.

Thiago next faced Dong Hyun Kim on November 10, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV 6.[21] He lost the bout via unanimous decision

Thiago was expected to face Lance Benoist on May 18, 2013, at UFC on FX 8.[22] However, on April 20, it was announced that Benoist had to pull out of the bout due to an injury. He was replaced by UFC newcomer Michel Prazeres.[23] Thiago won the fight via unanimous decision.

Thiago was expected to face Kelvin Gastelum on August 28, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 27.[24] However, Thiago pulled out of the bout citing a knee injury.[25]

Thiago faced Brandon Thatch at UFC Fight Night 32 on November 9, 2013.[26] He tapped to strikes in the first round after absorbing a knee to the liver.

Thiago faced Gasan Umalatov on May 31, 2014, at The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale.[27] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Despite being 2–6 in his last eight fights inside the octagon, Thiago signed a new four-fight contract with the UFC in June 2014.[28] He was expected to face Mike Rhodes at UFC Fight Night 51 on September 13, 2014.[29] However, Rhodes was forced out of the bout due to injury and was briefly replaced by returning veteran Joe Riggs.[30] Subsequently, Riggs was forced to pull out of the fight after accidentally shooting himself in the leg while cleaning a pistol at his home.[31] Thiago instead faced Sean Spencer.[32] Thiago lost the fight via unanimous decision and was subsequently released by the UFC.[33]

Post-UFC career

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After the release, Thiago was scheduled to face Joe Ray at Rebel FC 3 on June 26, 2015.[34] However, Thiago withdrew from the bout due to an injury.

Then he was scheduled to face Abubakar Vagaev at Akhmat Fight Show 18 on April 9, 2016.[35] Thiago was again forced to withdraw from the bout.

Thiago faced Markus Perez for the vacant Thunder Fight Middleweight Championship at Thunder Fight 7 on June 25, 2016.[36] He lost the fight via split decision.

Thiago then faced Paulistenio Rocha for the interim TWC Welterweight Championship at The Warriors Combat 3 on August 13, 2016. He won the fight via unanimous decision and claimed the championship.[37]

Thiago then faced Cheick Kone at Fight2Night 1 on November 4, 2016.[38] He won the fight via third-round submission.

In the sophomore event of the promotion, Thiago faced Faycal Hucin at Fight2Night 2 on April 28, 2017.[39] He won the fight via first-round submission.

Thiago faced Michał Materla at KSW 40: Dublin on October 22, 2017. He lost the fight via second-round knockout.[40]

Thiago faced Ailton Barbosa at Global Legion FC 13 on December 13, 2019.[41] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Six days removed from his previous bout, Thiago faced Sam Liera at SMASH Global 9 on December 19, 2019. He lost the fight via first-round knockout.[42]

Personal life

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Thiago is married and has twins.[43]

Championships and accomplishments

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Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
30 matches 19 wins 11 losses
By knockout 2 4
By submission 10 0
By decision 7 7
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 19–11 Sam Liera TKO (punches) SMASH Global 9 December 19, 2019 1 4:58 Hollywood, California, United States
Win 19–10 Alton Barbosa Decision (unanimous) Global Legion FC 13 December 13, 2019 3 5:00 Miramar, Florida, United States Catchweight (175 lbs) bout.
Loss 18–10 Michał Materla TKO (punches) KSW 40: Dublin October 22, 2017 2 0:50 Dublin, Ireland
Win 18–9 Faycal Hucin Submission (armbar) Fight2Night 2 April 28, 2017 1 3:11 Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil
Win 17–9 Cheick Kone Submission (rear-naked choke) Fight2Night 1 November 4, 2016 3 4:16 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Return to Middleweight.
Win 16–9 Paulistenio Rocha Decision (unanimous) The Warriors Combat 3 August 13, 2016 3 5:00 Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil Won Interim Warriors Combat Welterweight Championship.
Loss 15–9 Markus Perez Echeimberg Decision (split) Thunder Fight 7 June 25, 2016 5 5:00 São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil Middleweight debut. For Thunder Fight Middleweight Championship.
Loss 15–8 Sean Spencer Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Bigfoot vs. Arlovski September 13, 2014 3 5:00 Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
Loss 15–7 Gasan Umalatov Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale: Miocic vs. Maldonado May 31, 2014 3 5:00 São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Loss 15–6 Brandon Thatch TKO (submission to knee to the body) UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson 2 November 9, 2013 1 2:10 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
Win 15–5 Michel Prazeres Decision (unanimous) UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Rockhold May 18, 2013 3 5:00 Jaraguá do Sul, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Loss 14–5 Dong Hyun Kim Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fuel TV: Franklin vs. Le November 10, 2012 3 5:00 Macau, SAR, China
Loss 14–4 Siyar Bahadurzada KO (punch) UFC on Fuel TV: Gustafsson vs. Silva April 14, 2012 1 0:42 Stockholm, Sweden
Win 14–3 David Mitchell Decision (unanimous) UFC 134 August 27, 2011 3 5:00 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Loss 13–3 Diego Sanchez Decision (unanimous) UFC 121 October 23, 2010 3 5:00 Anaheim, California, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 13–2 Martin Kampmann Decision (unanimous) UFC 115 June 12, 2010 3 5:00 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Win 13–1 Mike Swick Technical Submission (D'arce choke) UFC 109 February 6, 2010 2 1:54 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Submission of the Night.
Win 12–1 Jacob Volkmann Decision (unanimous) UFC 106 November 21, 2009 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 11–1 Jon Fitch Decision (unanimous) UFC 100 July 11, 2009 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 11–0 Josh Koscheck KO (punches) UFC 95 February 21, 2009 1 3:29 London, England Knockout of the Night.
Win 10–0 Luiz Dutra Jr. TKO (knee injury) Jungle Fight 11 September 13, 2008 1 0:40 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 9–0 Ferrid Kheder Decision (unanimous) Jungle Fight 10 July 12, 2008 3 5:00 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 8–0 Paulo Cavera Submission (arm-triangle choke) Jungle Fight 9: Warriors May 31, 2008 1 N/A Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 7–0 Leonardo Pecanha Decision (unanimous) Jungle Fight 8 April 6, 2008 3 5:00 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 6–0 Fernando Bettega Submission (arm-triangle choke) Capital Fight 1 December 14, 2007 1 2:02 Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
Win 5–0 Franklin Careli Submission (rear-naked choke) Conquista Fight 3 May 12, 2007 2 0:37 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 4–0 Igor Maux Submission (anaconda choke) Grand Prix Planaltina October 13, 2006 1 1:06 Planaltina, Distrito Federal, Brazil
Win 3–0 Diogo Almeida Submission (guillotine choke) 3 1:21
Win 2–0 Marcone Bezerra Submission (arm-triangle choke) 3 1:31
Win 1–0 Ricardo Petrucio Submission (triangle choke) Storm Samurai 8 July 2, 2005 3 1:36 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

References

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  1. ^ a b Mixed martial arts show results Date: November 21, 2009
  2. ^ "Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Miocic vs. Maldonado". UFC.com. Archived from the original on January 3, 2018. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
  3. ^ Guilherme Cruz (March 1, 2018). "X-Gym closes its doors after 13 years". mmafighting.com.
  4. ^ "UFC Fight Night 32: Brandon Thatch vs. Paulo Thiago Preview". LowKickMMA.com. November 7, 2013.
  5. ^ [1] Archived October 2, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ "Paulo Thiago". UFC. 14 September 2018.
  7. ^ "Report: Koscheck set to face newcomer Thiago at UFC 95". cbssports.com. Archived from the original on 2009-01-07. Retrieved 2010-02-23.
  8. ^ "Paulo Thiago Gets a Tryout at UFC 95, Not a Contract". cagepotato.com. Retrieved 2010-02-23.
  9. ^ "Paulo Thiago reportedly meets UFC newcomer Jacob Volkmann at UFC 106". MMAJunkie. October 26, 2009. Archived from the original on October 28, 2009. Retrieved November 16, 2009.
  10. ^ "Josh Koscheck vs. Paulo Thiago II Being Targeted for UFC 109 in February". mmafighting.com. December 2009. Retrieved 2010-02-23.
  11. ^ "Mike Swick Replaces Josh Koscheck, Will Face Paulo Thiago at UFC 109". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2010-01-01. Retrieved 2009-12-28.
  12. ^ "Martin Kampmann vs. Paulo Thiago in works for UFC 115". lasvegassun.com. Retrieved 2010-03-09.
  13. ^ "SANCHEZ VS. THIAGO FACE OFF AT UFC 121". mmaweekly.com. Archived from the original on 2010-07-25. Retrieved 2010-07-21.
  14. ^ [2] Archived November 6, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  15. ^ "Johny Hendricks vs. Paulo Thiago targeted for UFC on Versus 3". MMAJunkie.com. Archived from the original on January 24, 2011. Retrieved January 20, 2011.
  16. ^ "Paulo Thiago scratched from UFC on Versus 3, Johny Hendricks in limbo". MMAJunkie.com. Archived from the original on January 30, 2011. Retrieved January 28, 2011.
  17. ^ "Welterweights Thiago, Mitchell Matched for UFC 'Rio'". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2011-05-02.
  18. ^ "Paulo Thiago vs. Mike Pyle at UFC 142". tatame.com. November 22, 2011. Archived from the original on November 27, 2011.
  19. ^ "Replacement Ricardo Funch meets Mike Pyle at UFC 142 in Brazil". mmajunkie.com. December 17, 2011.
  20. ^ "Siyar Bahadurzada vs. Paulo Thiago added to UFC on FUEL TV 2". mmajunkie.com. January 6, 2012.
  21. ^ "Dong Hyun Kim Vs. Paulo Thiago Planned For UFC On Fuel 6 In China". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved August 2, 2012.
  22. ^ Staff (March 1, 2013). "Paulo Thiago vs. Lance Benoist added to UFC on FX 8 in Brazil". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved March 1, 2013.
  23. ^ "Benoist out, Michel Prazeres meets Paulo Thiago at UFC on FX 8". mmajunkie.com. 20 April 2013. Retrieved 2013-04-20.
  24. ^ Staff (2013-06-04). "Kelvin Gastelum vs. Paulo Thiago slated for UFC on FOX Sports 1 2 in Indy". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-06-04.
  25. ^ Dave Doyle (2013-07-22). "Paulo Thiago forced out of bout with Kelvin Gastelum due to knee injury". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2013-07-22.
  26. ^ Guilherme Cruz (14 September 2013). "Thatch vs. Thiago, Sicilia vs. Castro added to UFN 32". bloodyelbow. Retrieved 2013-09-14.
  27. ^ Staff (2014-03-05). "Paulo Thiago encara o russo Gasan Umalatov no TUF Brasil 3 Finale (Brazilian Portuguese)". sportv.globo.com. Retrieved 2014-03-05.
  28. ^ Guilherme Cruz (2014-06-19). "Despite skid, Paulo Thiago signs new four-fight deal with UFC". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2014-07-13.
  29. ^ Jacob Cooper (2014-07-13). "Paulo Thiago vs. Mike Rhodes set for UFC Fight Night 51". cagepages.com. Retrieved 2014-07-13.
  30. ^ Anton Tabuena (2014-07-24). "Report: Joe Riggs returns to UFC, set to face Paulo Thiago at UFN 51". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2014-07-24.
  31. ^ Dann Stupp and Steven Marrocco (2014-07-29). "Joe Riggs out of UFC Fight Night 51 after injury from accidental shooting". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-07-29.
  32. ^ Jason Floyd (July 29, 2014). "Sean Spencer replaces Joe Riggs and meets Paulo Thiago at UFC Fight Night 51". themmareport.com. Retrieved July 29, 2014.
  33. ^ Jesse Holland (October 22, 2014). "After abysmal 2-7 run, UFC parts ways with longtime welterweight Paulo Thiago". mmamania.com. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
  34. ^ Lucas Carrano (April 16, 2015). "Demitido pelo UFC, Paulo Thiago enfrenta ex-Strikeforce na China". superlutas.com.br (in Portuguese).
  35. ^ João Gabriel Gelli (April 7, 2016). "MMA Além do UFC: Rússia segue com força e evento com nome curioso traz bons nomes". mmabrasil.com.br (in Portuguese).
  36. ^ Rainer Lee (July 14, 2016). "Beyond the Octagon: UFC vets Paulo Thiago, Katsunori Kikuno, Mike Rhodes, Rob Emerson in action". bloodyelbow.com.
  37. ^ Mike Skytte (September 26, 2017). "Michał Materla returns against Paulo Thiago in Ireland". mmasucka.com.
  38. ^ Jack Sear (October 12, 2016). "Fight 2 Night unveils inaugural event, features a plethora of UFC vets". thesprawlmma.com.
  39. ^ Guilherme Cruz (April 5, 2017). "Paulo Thiago, William Macario highlight Fight 2 Night 2 card in Brazil". mmafighting.com.
  40. ^ Peter Carroll (October 22, 2017). "KSW 40 results: Mariusz Pudzianowski takes decision over Jay Silva; Gamrot-Parke ends in no contest". mmafighting.com.
  41. ^ Tasos Kokkinidis (November 29, 2019). "Greek Fighters at Miami's Mixed Martial Arts and Boxing Bonanza". greekreporter.com.
  42. ^ Alex Ramirez (23 December 2019). "SMASH Global IX Recap And Results". fightbookmma.com.
  43. ^ "UFC's Brazilian Connection". UFCTICKETS.ws. 2010-06-02. Retrieved 2010-06-14.
  44. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (December 18, 2009). "Ten Best - The Upsets of 2009". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
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