The UFC produced its first Brazilian edition of The Ultimate Fighter reality show in 2012, and only six of the 16 fighters that made into the house are still on the UFC roster. Francisco Trinaldo, the oldest of all at 37, is riding the longest win streak in the Octagon -- tied with his teammate Sergio Moraes -- with four victories.
One of the most popular TUF fighters in his country, "Massaranduba" started his mixed martial arts career in 2006, but only in 2014 he finally lived up to his full potential. Months after losing to Mike Chiesa in his first MMA bout outside of Brazil, Trinaldo defeated Leandro Silva, Akbarh Arreola and Norman Parke via decision.
He won three straight for the first time in the UFC, but he picked up his most impressive win on Aug. 23, 2015.
Chad Laprise was a rising Canadian prospect, undefeated in 10 MMA fights, three in the UFC, facing a Brazilian veteran to get to the next level. Trinaldo not only ruined his plans, but also put on the most impressive performance of his UFC career, finishing Laprise with a vicious ground and pound inside three minutes.
"Massaranduba", who is far from a popular name in the lightweight division, has another chance to impress on the main card of Sunday’s UFC Fight Night 81. But how did he get to evolve so much at age 37?
"I’ve learned to train the correct way," Trinaldo told MMAFighting.com. "It always lacked something and I tried to rush everything. I started to train the correct amount per day now. I learned to trust in my team and my coach, Andre Dida. I can brawl if I have to, it’s my instinct, but I have to make my strategy flow in there. I’m sure my takedowns, kicks and punches will work when I need them to."
Facing longtime UFC veteran Ross Pearson at the TD Garden in Boston, Trinaldo expects to prove he’s ready for bigger challengers as he faces the biggest of his career.
"He’s my biggest opponent so far and I won’t take anything away from him," said the Brazilian. "He has had many UFC fights, he’s a tough guy, but I’m tough too. We’ll see who the best is in there, and I’m sure I’m better than him. I’m sure I will bring the win to Brazil.
"It’s my time now. I won’t let the win slip through my fingers. I won’t let this guy steal my glory. I’m not in the UFC to become popular, take cool pictures as a UFC fighter. I want to make history. I will go there and get the job done. I will win. It’s win or win for me, I have no other option in my head."
Four of Trinaldo’s eight UFC wins have come by stoppage. With a pair of submissions and a couple knockouts on his UFC record, the Brazilian expects nothing different from his fight against Pearson.
"I have a lot of weapons to defeat him," Trinaldo said. "I have to be patient. Get him frustrated, and then I’ll do what I want. It’s just a matter of time. I know my hands will connect. It’s going to be my night, and no one will take it away from me. He won’t take it away from me. I trained hard to do my best, and I know I’m going to win."