Thiago Tavares

Thiago Tavares (born November 8, 1984) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and politician who most recently competed in the Lightweight division.

An 18-fight veteran of the UFC, he has also fought in the Professional Fighters League and Cage Warriors.

During his tenure with the UFC, he was awarded "Fight of the Night" honors four times.

Born and raised in Brazil, Tavares began training in judo at the age of five and Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the age of nine.

Tavares made his professional MMA debut in November 2003.

He amassed an undefeated record of 10–0 in his first three years in the sport before being signed by the UFC.

Tavares entered the UFC with an undefeated record and was highly regarded.

Tavares outgrappled fellow UFC-newcomer Naoyuki Kotani to a unanimous decision, followed by a dominant submission victory over Jason Black.

Tavares fought perennial contender Tyson Griffin to a unanimous decision loss, the first of his professional career, at UFC 76.

They would win Fight of the Night award honors for their performance.

Thiago rebounded with a unanimous decision victory over Michihiro Omigawa at UFC Fight Night: Swick vs Burkman.

Tavares was knocked out in his next bout by Matt Wiman and lost a unanimous decision to Kurt Pellegrino nearly three months later.

Despite losses, Tavares received Fight of the Night award in both fights.

This marked the first time Tavares lost two straight contests after beginning his career with twelve straight wins.

Tavares defeated TUF finalist Manvel Gamburyan via unanimous decision at UFC 94 in a close fight.

Tavares and Nik Lentz fought to a majority draw at UFC Fight Night: Maynard vs. Diaz.

Tavares was docked a point in the third round for a second kick to the groin of Lentz.

After the fight Lentz was interviewed and had shared with a reporter his belief that Tavares had intentionally kicked him in the groin and happened to crack Lentz's metal cup.

Tavares was scheduled to face Melvin Guillard on May 29, 2010, at UFC 114, but Tavares was forced off the card with an elbow injury.

He was replaced by Waylon Lowe.

Tavares was set to face Willamy Freire at UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko taking place August 1, 2010.

However, on July 20, 2010, Freire withdrew because of an injury, forcing the bout to be cancelled.

Tavares faced UFC newcomer Pat Audinwood on September 25, 2010, at UFC 119, replacing an injured Aaron Riley.

Tavares defeated Audinwood via submission (guillotine choke) in the first round.

Tavares then faced Shane Roller on March 3, 2011, at UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann.

He lost the fight via KO in the second round.

Though Tavares hurt Roller in the first round, he was unable to finish him.

During the second round, Tavares was caught by a straight right from Roller that knocked him out.

Tavares defeated Spencer Fisher via second-round TKO on August 27, 2011, at UFC 134.

Tavares faced Sam Stout on January 14, 2012, at UFC 142.

He won the fight via unanimous decision after utilizing takedowns with his top control for most of the fight.

Tavares was expected to face Tony Ferguson on May 5, 2012, at UFC on Fox 3, replacing an injured Dennis Hallman.

However, Tavares was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Michael Johnson.

Tavares was expected to face Dennis Hallman on September 1, 2012, at UFC 151.

However, after UFC 151 was cancelled, Tavares/Hallman was then rescheduled to October 5, 2012, at UFC on FX 5.

Just prior to the UFC on FX 5 weigh ins, Dennis Hallman alerted officials and Tavares that he would miss weight by 7 pounds.

Tavares was given the option to take the fight anyway at a catchweight.

He stated he would only fight if Hallman could make it within 3 lbs of the 156 lb. limit.

Hallman couldn't make it in the allowed time and so the bout was cancelled.

Tavares next faced the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov on January 19, 2013, at UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping.