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Alexandre Barros

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started in Judo when I was a kid because my grandmother wanted me to. Later I got interested in Muay Thai around 1989. A friend of mine invited me to train Muay Thai and I loved it because I felt comfortable.

What ranks and titles have you held? Three-time State of Rio de Janeiro MMA champion, three times State of Rio de Janeiro Muay Thai champion, Copa Guaravita de Luta-Livre champion and bronze medal in Brazilian Grappling Championship.

Do you have any heroes? Mike Tyson, Aryton Senna, Michael Phelps
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? This means that I reached what I always wanted in my life, to be part of the best event in the world.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Just high school, I didn't go to the university.

What was your job before you started fighting? Assistant of storeroom.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? To answer this question is funny for me, because I didn't have the chance to go into amateur competition. I started in MMA the most extreme way, with bare knuckles, where I reached a record of 3-1. Only groin strikes, eye gouging and fish hooking were illegal.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? IVC champion

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Black belt in Muay Thai, black belt in Luta-Livre and blue belt in Carlson Gracie Jiu-jitsu.

Favorite grappling technique: Kimura

Favorite Striking technique: Right straight