Background
Silva was born Brazilian city of Rondonópolis and raised during his youth in Minas Gerais.
Silva was born Brazilian city of Rondonópolis and raised during his youth in Minas Gerais.
Silva is currently signed with the UFC.
He began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under the tutelage of Elan Santiago at the age of 18. He started training mixed martial arts in 2005 and moved to Italy where he lived for a time with an aunt before moving to Greater London area of England in 2007 in an effort to refine his jiu-jitsu. Silva turned professional late 2007 competing at both middleweight and welterweight, primarily for regional promotions in England where he compiled a record of 9 - 1 before signing with the UFC in late 2013.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Silva made his promotional debut against Brad Scott on March 8, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 37.
Silva was expected to face Neil Magny in a welterweight bout on June 28, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 43. However, Silva was forced from the bout due to injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer Rodrigo Goiana de Lima.
Silva made his return to the welterweight division and faced Leon Edwards on November 8, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 56. Despite being outlanded on the feet, Silva was able to take Edwards down and obtain dominant positions, repeatedly threatening with submission attempts.
Silva defeated Edwards via split decision.
Silva is expected to face Nordine Taleb on April 25, 2015 at UFC 186. However, Silva pulled out of the bout with a broken foot and was replaced by Chris Clements.