imported>IvanScrooge98 at 01:09, 13 June 2025

2025-06-13T01:09:14Z

New page

{{short description|Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter}}
{{for|the Brazilian film director|Paulo Thiago (director)}}
{{Portuguese name|Alencar|Antunes}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Paulo Thiago
| image = Paulo Thiago Caveira 2019 by Glenn Francis.jpg
| image_size = 200px
| alt = male boxer, faceing camera, mean, frown, wearing hood, dark clothes
| caption = Thiago at the SMASH Global IX Fight Night 2019
| birth_name = Paulo Thiago Alencar Antunes<ref name=fullname>[https://boxing.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/boxingnvgov/content/results/2009_Results/11-21-09MMA.pdf Mixed martial arts show results Date: November 21, 2009]</ref>
| nickname = ''Caveira'' ("Skull")
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|01|25}}
| birth_place = [[Brasília]], [[Federal District (Brazil)|DF]], Brazil
| residence =
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=11}}
| weight = {{convert|184|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}
| weight_class = [[Middleweight (MMA)|Middleweight]] [[Welterweight (MMA)|Welterweight]]
| reach = {{convert|74+1/2|in|cm|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ufc.com/event/ufn-sao-paulo-tuf-brazil/printFightCard|title=Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Miocic vs. Maldonado|publisher=[[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]]|access-date=June 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103072523/http://uk.ufc.com/event/ufn-sao-paulo-tuf-brazil/printFightCard|archive-date=January 3, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| style =
| stance = Orthodox
| fighting_out_of = [[Brasília]], [[Federal District (Brazil)|Distrito Federal]], Brazil
| team = Team Constrictor X-Gym (formerly)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/3/1/17042866/x-gym-closes-doors-after-13-years-mma-anderson-silva|title=X-Gym closes its doors after 13 years|author=Guilherme Cruz|date=March 1, 2018|publisher=mmafighting.com}}</ref>
| rank = Black belt in [[Brazilian jiu-jitsu]] Black belt in [[Judo]]<ref name=blackbeltjudo>{{cite web|url=http://www.lowkickmma.com/UFC/ufc_fight_night_32_brandon_thatch_vs_paulo_thiago_preview_300838|title=UFC Fight Night 32: Brandon Thatch vs. Paulo Thiago Preview|publisher=LowKickMMA.com|date=November 7, 2013}}</ref>
| years_active = 2005–present
| mma_win = 19
| mma_kowin = 2
| mma_subwin = 10
| mma_decwin = 7
| mma_loss = 11
| mma_koloss = 3
| mma_subloss = 1
| mma_decloss = 7
| mma_draw =
| mma_nc =
| url =
| sherdog = 13336
| footnotes =
| updated =
}}
'''Paulo Thiago Alencar Antunes'''<ref name=fullname /> ({{IPA|pt-BR|ˈpawlu tʃiˈaɡu}}; born January 25, 1981) is a Brazilian [[mixed martial artist]] who most recently competed in the [[Middleweight (MMA)|Middleweight]] division of [[Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki|KSW]]. A professional competitor since 2005, he has also competed for the [[UFC]] and [[Jungle Fight]]. Thiago is also a member of [[Military Police (Brazil)|Polícia Militar]] do Distrito Federal and works for [[Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais|BOPE]], a [[special forces]] unit in his hometown of Brasília, Brazil.<ref>[http://www.mmamagazine.com.br/ufc-on-fuel-3/paulo-thiago-mostra-sua-vida-como-policial-do-bope-e-atleta-de-mma/] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002060200/http://www.mmamagazine.com.br/ufc-on-fuel-3/paulo-thiago-mostra-sua-vida-como-policial-do-bope-e-atleta-de-mma/ |date=October 2, 2013 }}</ref>

==Background==
Thiago is from [[Brasília]], [[Federal District (Brazil)|Distrito Federal]], and began training in [[judo]] when he was five years old.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/paulo-thiago|title=Paulo Thiago|work=UFC|date=14 September 2018 }}</ref>

==Mixed martial arts==
===Early career===
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsline.com/mma/story/11226943|title=Report: Koscheck set to face newcomer Thiago at UFC 95|publisher=cbssports.com|accessdate=2010-02-23|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107103845/http://www.sportsline.com/mma/story/11226943|archivedate=2009-01-07}}</ref>

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===
Thiago never signed a contract before his fight against Koscheck, he was only able to acquire a tryout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagepotato.com/paulo-thiago-gets-tryout-ufc-95-not-contract|title=Paulo Thiago Gets a Tryout at UFC 95, Not a Contract|publisher=cagepotato.com|accessdate=2010-02-23}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/16625/paulo-thiago-reportedly-meets-ufc-newcomer-jacob-volkmann-at-ufc-106.mma |title=Paulo Thiago reportedly meets UFC newcomer Jacob Volkmann at UFC 106 |publisher=MMAJunkie |date=October 26, 2009 |accessdate=November 16, 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028231653/http://mmajunkie.com/news/16625/paulo-thiago-reportedly-meets-ufc-newcomer-jacob-volkmann-at-ufc-106.mma |archivedate=October 28, 2009 }}</ref>

In Thiago's fourth outing in the UFC octagon, he was set to have a rematch against [[Josh Koscheck]] at [[UFC 109]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2009/12/01/josh-koscheck-vs-paulo-thiago-ii-being-targeted-for-ufc-109/|title=Josh Koscheck vs. Paulo Thiago II Being Targeted for UFC 109 in February|date=December 2009 |publisher=mmafighting.com|accessdate=2010-02-23}}</ref> However, Koscheck pulled out of the bout after an undisclosed injury and was replaced by [[American Kickboxing Academy|AKA]] teammate [[Mike Swick]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/17347/phil-davis-vs-brian-stann-added-to-ufc-109-josh-koscheck-reportedly-out.mma|title=Mike Swick Replaces Josh Koscheck, Will Face Paulo Thiago at UFC 109|publisher=mmajunkie.com|accessdate=2009-12-28|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100101044824/http://mmajunkie.com/news/17347/phil-davis-vs-brian-stann-added-to-ufc-109-josh-koscheck-reportedly-out.mma|archivedate=2010-01-01}}</ref> 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).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/mar/09/martin-kampmann-vs-paulo-thiago-works-ufc-115/|title= Martin Kampmann vs. Paulo Thiago in works for UFC 115 |publisher=lasvegassun.com |accessdate=2010-03-09}}</ref>

Thiago lost his second straight fight via unanimous decision to [[Diego Sanchez]] on October 23, 2010, at [[UFC 121]].<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=12109&zoneid=13|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100725180019/http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=12109&zoneid=13|url-status= dead|archive-date= 2010-07-25|title= SANCHEZ VS. THIAGO FACE OFF AT UFC 121|publisher= mmaweekly.com|accessdate= 2010-07-21}}</ref> 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.<ref>[http://www.fightersonlymagazine.co.uk/news/viewarticle.php?id=5532] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106125825/http://www.fightersonlymagazine.co.uk/news/viewarticle.php?id=5532 |date=November 6, 2010 }}</ref> Thiago was expected to face [[Johny Hendricks]] on March 3, 2011, at [[UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/22164/johny-hendricks-vs-paulo-thiago-targeted-for-ufc-on-versus-3.mma|title=Johny Hendricks vs. Paulo Thiago targeted for UFC on Versus 3|publisher=MMAJunkie.com|accessdate=January 20, 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124005901/http://mmajunkie.com/news/22164/johny-hendricks-vs-paulo-thiago-targeted-for-ufc-on-versus-3.mma|archivedate=January 24, 2011}}</ref> However, Thiago was forced out of the bout with an elbow injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/22232/paulo-thiago-scratched-from-ufc-on-versus-3-johny-hendricks-in-limbo.mma|title=Paulo Thiago scratched from UFC on Versus 3, Johny Hendricks in limbo|publisher=MMAJunkie.com|accessdate=January 28, 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110130222609/http://mmajunkie.com/news/22232/paulo-thiago-scratched-from-ufc-on-versus-3-johny-hendricks-in-limbo.mma|archivedate=January 30, 2011}}</ref>

Thiago defeated [[David Mitchell (fighter)|David Mitchell]] via unanimous decision on August 27, 2011, at [[UFC 134]], completely dominating Mitchell throughout all three rounds.<ref name="ThiagoMitchell">{{cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Source-Welterweights-Thiago-Mitchell-Matched-for-UFC-Rio-32043|title=Welterweights Thiago, Mitchell Matched for UFC 'Rio'|publisher=sherdog.com|accessdate=2011-05-02}}</ref>

Thiago was expected to face [[Mike Pyle (fighter)|Mike Pyle]] on January 14, 2012, at [[UFC 142]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tatame.com/2011/11/22/Paulo-Thiago-vs-Mike-Pyle-at-UFC-142-in-Rio |title=Paulo Thiago vs. Mike Pyle at UFC 142 |publisher=tatame.com |date=November 22, 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127215248/http://www.tatame.com/2011/11/22/Paulo-Thiago-vs-Mike-Pyle-at-UFC-142-in-Rio |archivedate=November 27, 2011 }}</ref> However, Thiago was forced out of the bout with an elbow injury and replaced by [[Ricardo Funch]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/26586/replacement-ricardo-funch-meets-mike-pyle-at-ufc-142-in-brazil.mma|title=Replacement Ricardo Funch meets Mike Pyle at UFC 142 in Brazil |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date= December 17, 2011}}</ref>

Thiago faced [[Siyar Bahadurzada]] on April 14, 2012, at [[UFC on Fuel TV: Gustafsson vs. Silva]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/26849/siyar-bahadurzada-vs-paulo-thiago-added-to-ufc-on-fuel-tv-2.mma|title=Siyar Bahadurzada vs. Paulo Thiago added to UFC on FUEL TV 2 |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date= January 6, 2012}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/8/2/3214433/dong-hyun-kim-vs-paulo-thiago-planned-for-ufc-on-fuel-6-in-china |title=Dong Hyun Kim Vs. Paulo Thiago Planned For UFC On Fuel 6 In China |publisher=bloodyelbow.com |accessdate=August 2, 2012}}</ref> He lost the bout via unanimous decision

Thiago was expected to face [[Lance Benoist]] on May 18, 2013, at [[UFC on FX 8]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/03/paulo-thiago-vs-lance-benoist-added-to-ufc-on-fx-8-in-brazil|title=Paulo Thiago vs. Lance Benoist added to UFC on FX 8 in Brazil|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|date=March 1, 2013|accessdate=March 1, 2013|author=Staff}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/04/report-benoist-hurt-tiago-dos-santos-meets-paulo-thiago-at-ufc-on-fx-8|title=Benoist out, Michel Prazeres meets Paulo Thiago at UFC on FX 8 |date=20 April 2013 |publisher=mmajunkie.com|accessdate=2013-04-20}}</ref> Thiago won the fight via unanimous decision.

Thiago was expected to face [[Kelvin Gastelum]] on August 28, 2013, at [[UFC Fight Night 27]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/06/kelvin-gastelum-vs-paulo-thiago-slated-for-ufc-on-fox-sports-1-2-in-indy|title=Kelvin Gastelum vs. Paulo Thiago slated for UFC on FOX Sports 1 2 in Indy |publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2013-06-04|accessdate=2013-06-04}}</ref> However, Thiago pulled out of the bout citing a knee injury.<ref name="ThiagoOut">{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/7/22/4546966/paulo-thiago-forced-out-of-bout-with-kelvin-gastelum-due-to-knee|title=Paulo Thiago forced out of bout with Kelvin Gastelum due to knee injury|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Dave Doyle|date=2013-07-22|accessdate=2013-07-22}}</ref>

Thiago faced [[Brandon Thatch]] at [[UFC Fight Night 32]] on November 9, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/9/14/4729924/thatch-vs-thiago-sicilia-vs-castro-added-to-ufn-32|title=Thatch vs. Thiago, Sicilia vs. Castro added to UFN 32|publisher=bloodyelbow|author=Guilherme Cruz|date=14 September 2013 |accessdate=2013-09-14}}</ref> 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#The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale: Miocic vs. Maldonado|The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportv.globo.com/site/combate/noticia/2014/03/paulo-thiago-encara-o-russo-gasan-umalatov-no-tuf-brasil-3-finale.html|title=Paulo Thiago encara o russo Gasan Umalatov no TUF Brasil 3 Finale (Brazilian Portuguese) |publisher=sportv.globo.com |author=Staff|date=2014-03-05|accessdate=2014-03-05}}</ref> 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 [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] in June 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2014/6/19/5825366/despite-skid-paulo-thiago-signs-new-four-fight-deal-with-the-ufc|title=Despite skid, Paulo Thiago signs new four-fight deal with UFC|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Guilherme Cruz|date=2014-06-19|accessdate=2014-07-13}}</ref> He was expected to face Mike Rhodes at [[UFC Fight Night 51]] on September 13, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cagepages.com/2014/07/13/paulo-thiago-vs-mike-rhodes-set-ufc-fight-night-51/|title=Paulo Thiago vs. Mike Rhodes set for UFC Fight Night 51|publisher=cagepages.com|author=Jacob Cooper|date=2014-07-13|accessdate=2014-07-13}}</ref> However, Rhodes was forced out of the bout due to injury and was briefly replaced by returning veteran [[Joe Riggs]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/7/24/5933291/report-joe-riggs-returns-to-ufc-set-to-face-paulo-thiago-at-ufn-51|title=Report: Joe Riggs returns to UFC, set to face Paulo Thiago at UFN 51|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Anton Tabuena|date=2014-07-24|accessdate=2014-07-24}}</ref> Subsequently, Riggs was forced to pull out of the fight after accidentally shooting himself in the leg while cleaning a pistol at his home.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/07/joe-riggs-out-of-ufc-fight-night-51-after-injury-from-accidental-shooting|title=Joe Riggs out of UFC Fight Night 51 after injury from accidental shooting|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Dann Stupp and Steven Marrocco|accessdate=2014-07-29|date=2014-07-29}}</ref> Thiago instead faced [[Sean Spencer (fighter)|Sean Spencer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://themmareport.com/2014/07/sean-spencer-replaces-joe-riggs-and-meets-paulo-thiago-at-ufc-fight-night-51/|title=Sean Spencer replaces Joe Riggs and meets Paulo Thiago at UFC Fight Night 51|publisher=themmareport.com|author=Jason Floyd|date=July 29, 2014|accessdate=July 29, 2014}}</ref> Thiago lost the fight via unanimous decision and was subsequently released by the UFC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2014/10/22/7041225/ufc-cuts-longtime-welterweight-paulo-thiago-mma|title=After abysmal 2-7 run, UFC parts ways with longtime welterweight Paulo Thiago|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Jesse Holland|date=October 22, 2014|accessdate=October 22, 2014}}</ref>

===Post-UFC career===
After the release, Thiago was scheduled to face Joe Ray at Rebel FC 3 on June 26, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.superlutas.com.br/noticias/30625/demitido-pelo-ufc-paulo-thiago-enfrenta-ex-strikeforce-na-china/|title=Demitido pelo UFC, Paulo Thiago enfrenta ex-Strikeforce na China|author=Lucas Carrano|date=April 16, 2015|website=superlutas.com.br|language=pt}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmabrasil.com.br/mma-alem-do-ufc-russia-segue-com-forca-e-evento-com-nome-curioso-traz-bons-nomes|title=MMA Além do UFC: Rússia segue com força e evento com nome curioso traz bons nomes|author=João Gabriel Gelli|date=April 7, 2016|website=mmabrasil.com.br|language=pt}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/7/14/12185328/beyond-the-octagon-ufc-paulo-thiago-katsunori-kikuno-mike-rhodes-rob-emerson-mma-results|title=Beyond the Octagon: UFC vets Paulo Thiago, Katsunori Kikuno, Mike Rhodes, Rob Emerson in action|author=Rainer Lee|date=July 14, 2016|publisher=bloodyelbow.com}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmasucka.com/2017/09/26/michal-materla-returns-paulo-thiago-ireland/|title=Michał Materla returns against Paulo Thiago in Ireland|author=Mike Skytte|date=September 26, 2017|website=mmasucka.com}}</ref>

Thiago then faced Cheick Kone at Fight2Night 1 on November 4, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thesprawlmma.com/eng-us/news/fight-2-night-unveils-inaugural-event-features-a-plethora-of-ufc-vets/|title=Fight 2 Night unveils inaugural event, features a plethora of UFC vets|date=October 12, 2016|author=Jack Sear|website=thesprawlmma.com}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/4/5/15200286/paulo-thiago-william-macario-highlight-fight-2-night-2-card-in-brazil|title=Paulo Thiago, William Macario highlight Fight 2 Night 2 card in Brazil|author=Guilherme Cruz|date=April 5, 2017|publisher=mmafighting.com}}</ref> He won the fight via first-round submission.

Thiago faced [[Michał Materla]] at [[2017 in Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki#KSW 40: Dublin|KSW 40: Dublin]] on October 22, 2017. He lost the fight via second-round knockout.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/10/22/16517568/ksw-40-results-marius-pudzianowski-takes-decision-over-jay-silva-gamrot-parke-ends-in-no-contest|title=KSW 40 results: Mariusz Pudzianowski takes decision over Jay Silva; Gamrot-Parke ends in no contest|author=Peter Carroll|date=October 22, 2017|publisher=mmafighting.com}}</ref>

Thiago faced Ailton Barbosa at Global Legion FC 13 on December 13, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://greekreporter.com/2019/11/29/greek-fighters-at-miamis-mixed-martial-arts-and-boxing-bonanza/|title=Greek Fighters at Miami's Mixed Martial Arts and Boxing Bonanza|author=Tasos Kokkinidis|date=November 29, 2019|website=greekreporter.com}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightbookmma.com/smash-global-ix-recap-and-results/|title=SMASH Global IX Recap And Results|author=Alex Ramirez|website=fightbookmma.com|date=23 December 2019 }}</ref>

==Personal life==
Thiago is married and has twins.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ufctickets.ws/ufcs-brazilian-connection |title=UFC's Brazilian Connection |accessdate=2010-06-14 |publisher=UFCTICKETS.ws |date=2010-06-02}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]'''
**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Knockout of the Night]] (One time) vs. [[Josh Koscheck]] 
**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Submission of the Night]] (One time) vs. [[Mike Swick]] 
**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Fight of the Night]] (One time) vs. [[Diego Sanchez]] 
**'''UFC.com Awards'''
***2009: [[2009 in UFC#2009 UFC.com awards|Upset of the Year]] {{small|vs. [[Josh Koscheck]]}},<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-upsets-2009|title=Ten Best - The Upsets of 2009|date=December 18, 2009|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]}}</ref> [[2009 in UFC#2009 UFC.com awards|Ranked #6 Knockout of the Year]] {{small|vs. [[Josh Koscheck]]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-knockouts-2009|title=Ten Best – The Knockouts of 2009|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 20, 2009|work=[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]}}</ref> & [[2009 in UFC#2009 UFC.com awards|Ranked #8 Newcomer of the Year]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-newcomers-2009|title=Ten Best – The Newcomers of 2009|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 18, 2009|work=[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]}}</ref>
***2010: [[2010 in UFC#2010 UFC.com awards|Ranked #9 Fight of the Year]] {{small|vs. [[Diego Sanchez]]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-fights-2010|title=Ten Best – The Fights of 2010|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 18, 2010|work=[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]}}</ref>

==Mixed martial arts record==
{{MMArecordbox
| draws=
| nc=
| ko-wins= 2
| ko-losses= 4
| sub-wins= 10
| sub-losses= 0
| dec-wins= 7
| dec-losses= 7
| dq-wins=
| dq-losses=
| other-wins=
| other-losses=
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 19–11
| Sam Liera
| TKO (punches)
| SMASH Global 9
| {{dts|2019|December|19}}
| align=center|1
| align=center|4:58
| [[Hollywood, California]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 19–10
| Alton Barbosa
| Decision (unanimous)
| Global Legion FC 13
| {{dts|2019|December|13}}
| align=center|3
| align=center|5:00
| [[Miramar, Florida]], United States
|Catchweight (175 lbs) bout.
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 18–10
| [[Michał Materla]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[2017 in Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki#KSW 40: Dublin|KSW 40: Dublin]]
| {{dts|2017|October|22}}
| align=center|2
| align=center|0:50
| [[Dublin]], [[Ireland]]
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 18–9
| Faycal Hucin
| Submission (armbar)
| Fight2Night 2
| {{dts|2017|April|28}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:11
| [[Foz do Iguaçu]], [[Paraná (state)|Paraná]], Brazil
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 17–9
| Cheick Kone
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Fight2Night 1
| {{dts|2016|November|4}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 4:16
| [[Rio de Janeiro]], [[Rio de Janeiro (state)|Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil
|{{small|Return to [[Middleweight (MMA)|Middleweight]].}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 16–9
| Paulistenio Rocha
| Decision (unanimous)
| The Warriors Combat 3
| {{dts|2016|August|13}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Brasília]], [[Federal District (Brazil)|Distrito Federal]], Brazil
|{{small|Won Interim Warriors Combat Welterweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 15–9
| [[Markus Perez Echeimberg]]
| Decision (split)
| Thunder Fight 7
| {{dts|2016|June|25}}
| align=center| 5
| align=center| 5:00
| [[São Paulo]], [[São Paulo (state)|São Paulo]], Brazil
| {{small|[[Middleweight (MMA)|Middleweight]] debut. For Thunder Fight Middleweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 15–8
| [[Sean Spencer (fighter)|Sean Spencer]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC Fight Night: Bigfoot vs. Arlovski]]
| {{dts|2014|September|13}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Brasília]], [[Federal District (Brazil)|Distrito Federal]], Brazil
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 15–7
| [[Gasan Umalatov]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3#The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale: Miocic vs. Maldonado|The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale: Miocic vs. Maldonado]]
| {{dts|2014|May|31}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[São Paulo]], [[São Paulo (state)|São Paulo]], Brazil
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 15–6
| [[Brandon Thatch]]
| TKO (submission to knee to the body)
| [[UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson 2]]
| {{dts|2013|November|9}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:10
| [[Goiânia]], [[Goiás]], Brazil
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 15–5
| [[Michel Prazeres]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Rockhold]]
| {{dts|2013|May|18}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Jaraguá do Sul]], [[Santa Catarina (state)|Santa Catarina]], Brazil
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 14–5
| [[Dong Hyun Kim]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC on Fuel TV: Franklin vs. Le]]
| {{dts|2012|November|10}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Macau]], [[Special administrative regions of China|SAR]], China
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 14–4
| [[Siyar Bahadurzada]]
| KO (punch)
| [[UFC on Fuel TV: Gustafsson vs. Silva]]
| {{dts|2012|April|14}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:42
| [[Stockholm]], Sweden
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 14–3
| [[David Mitchell (fighter)|David Mitchell]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC 134]]
| {{dts|2011|August|27}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Rio de Janeiro]], [[Rio de Janeiro (state)|Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 13–3
| [[Diego Sanchez]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC 121]]
| {{dts|2010|October|23}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Anaheim, California]], United States
| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 13–2
| [[Martin Kampmann]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC 115]]
| {{dts|2010|June|12}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Vancouver, British Columbia]], Canada
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 13–1
| [[Mike Swick]]
| Technical Submission (D'arce choke)
| [[UFC 109]]
| {{dts|2010|February|6}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:54
| [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
| {{small|Submission of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 12–1
| [[Jacob Volkmann]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC 106]]
| {{dts|2009|November|21}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 11–1
| [[Jon Fitch]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC 100]]
| {{dts|2009|July|11}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 11–0
| [[Josh Koscheck]]
| KO (punches)
| [[UFC 95]]
| {{dts|2009|February|21}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:29
| [[London]], England
| {{small|Knockout of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 10–0
| Luiz Dutra Jr.
| TKO (knee injury)
| [[2008 in Jungle Fight#Jungle Fight 11|Jungle Fight 11]]
| {{dts|2008|September|13}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:40
| [[Rio de Janeiro]], [[Rio de Janeiro (state)|Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 9–0
| [[Ferrid Kheder]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[2008 in Jungle Fight#Jungle Fight 10|Jungle Fight 10]]
| {{dts|2008|July|12}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Rio de Janeiro]], [[Rio de Janeiro (state)|Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 8–0
| Paulo Cavera
| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
| [[2008 in Jungle Fight#Jungle Fight 9: Warriors|Jungle Fight 9: Warriors]]
| {{dts|2008|May|31}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| N/A
| [[Rio de Janeiro]], [[Rio de Janeiro (state)|Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 7–0
| Leonardo Pecanha
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[2008 in Jungle Fight#Jungle Fight 8|Jungle Fight 8]]
| {{dts|2008|April|6}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Rio de Janeiro]], [[Rio de Janeiro (state)|Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 6–0
| Fernando Bettega
| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
| Capital Fight 1
| {{dts|2007|December|14}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:02
| [[Brasília]], [[Federal District (Brazil)|Distrito Federal]], Brazil
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 5–0
| Franklin Careli
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Conquista Fight 3
| {{dts|2007|May|12}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 0:37
| [[Rio de Janeiro]], [[Rio de Janeiro (state)|Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 4–0
| Igor Maux
| Submission (anaconda choke)
| rowspan=3|Grand Prix Planaltina
| rowspan=3|{{dts|2006|October|13}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:06
| rowspan=3|[[Planaltina, Federal District|Planaltina]], [[Federal District (Brazil)|Distrito Federal]], Brazil
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 3–0
| Diogo Almeida
| Submission (guillotine choke)
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 1:21
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 2–0
| Marcone Bezerra
| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 1:31
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 1–0
| Ricardo Petrucio
| Submission (triangle choke)
| Storm Samurai 8
| {{dts|2005|July|2}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 1:36
| [[Rio de Janeiro]], [[Rio de Janeiro (state)|Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil
|
{{end}}

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
*[https://www.ufc.com/athlete/paulo-thiago Official UFC Profile]
*{{Sherdog}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Thiago, Paulo}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Brazilian male mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Brazilian practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]
[[Category:People awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]
[[Category:Brazilian male judoka]]
[[Category:Welterweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing judo]]
[[Category:Martial artists from Brasília]]
[[Category:1981 births]]
[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters]]
[[Category:21st-century Brazilian sportsmen]]

Paulo Thiago - Revision history

imported>IvanScrooge98 at 01:09, 13 June 2025