Career
A professional competitor since 2009, Lima has also formerly competed for Strikeforce and was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3. Early career
Lima made a name for himself fighting on his home country of Brazil. He made his debut on September 10, 2011 against Mike Kyle at Strikeforce: Barnett versus
Kharitonov, losing the fight via unanimous decision.
Following his debut defeat, Lima was released from Strikeforce. He fought for the Shooto Brazil light heavyweight championship at Shooto Brazil 29 on April 26, 2012 against Carlos Eduardo, losing the fight via knockout in the second round.
The Ultimate Fighter
On February 26, 2014 it was revealed that Marcos de Lima was selected to be a participant on The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3. Lima defeated Thiago dos Santos via submission to move into the Ultimate Fighter house, and become an official cast member.
Lima was selected as the first pick (first overall) of coach Chael Sonnen to be a part of Team Sonnen.
He was then scheduled to face Antônio Carlos Júnior for a spot in the final against Vitor Miranda. He was defeated by submission (rear-naked choke). Ultimate Fighting Championship
Lima made his UFC debut on May 31, 2014 at The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale against Richardson Moreira.
In his second bout for the promotion, Lima faced Igor Pokrajac in the Light Heavyweight division on December 20, 2014 at UFC Fight Night: Machida versus
Dollaway. He was briefly linked to a bout with Nikita Krylov on June 20, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 69. However, the pairing was booked to take place a week later at UFC Fight Night 70.
Subsequently, Lima was removed from the card on June 19, after visa issues restricted his entry to the United States. The bout with Krylov eventually took place on August 23, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 74, with Lima losing by way of submission due to a rear naked choke in the first round.
De Lima is expected to face Clint Hester on April 23, 2016 at UFC 197.
