Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, a 23-year-old Brazilian stepped into the legendary Pancrase ring in Japan—ready to make his professional debut and uphold his family’s MMA legacy.
Facing off against local hero Kiuma Kunioku, Pancrase’s reigning welterweight champion and the #2 ranked middleweight at the time, who had over 40 professional fights under his belt, and the crowd’s support meant the odds weren’t in my favor.
But months of sacrifice, hard training, hunger, and unflinching belief gave me the edge I needed.
That night, dominantly winning the non-title bout wasn’t just a personal victory but a defining moment. It reinforced a truth I carry with me to this day: there’s no glory without sacrifice.