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.

Thiago Tavares
Born (1984-11-08) November 8, 1984 (age 39)
Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)[1]
Weight146 lb (66 kg; 10.4 st)
DivisionLightweight
Featherweight
Reach69 in (180 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofFlorianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
TeamTeam Tavares
Brazilian Top Team
Rank3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[2]
Years active2003–2018, 2020–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total36
Wins24
By knockout4
By submission15
By decision5
Losses11
By knockout8
By decision3
Draws1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background edit

Born and raised in Brazil, Tavares began training in judo at the age of five and Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the age of nine.[3]

Mixed martial arts career edit

Early career edit

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.

Ultimate Fighting Championship edit

Lightweight edit

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.[4]

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.[5] 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,[6] but Tavares was forced off the card with an elbow injury.[7] He was replaced by Waylon Lowe.

Tavares was set to face Willamy Freire at UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko taking place August 1, 2010.[8] However, on July 20, 2010, Freire withdrew because of an injury,[9] forcing the bout to be cancelled.[10]

Tavares faced UFC newcomer Pat Audinwood on September 25, 2010, at UFC 119, replacing an injured Aaron Riley.[11] 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.[12] 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.[13]

Tavares faced Sam Stout on January 14, 2012, at UFC 142.[14] 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.[15] However, Tavares was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Michael Johnson.[16]

Tavares was expected to face Dennis Hallman on September 1, 2012, at UFC 151.[17] However, after UFC 151 was cancelled, Tavares/Hallman was then rescheduled to October 5, 2012, at UFC on FX 5.[18] 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.[19][20]

Tavares next faced the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov on January 19, 2013, at UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping.[21] He lost the fight via knockout early in the first round. Following his loss to Nurmagomedov, it was announced that Tavares had tested positive for the banned substance drostanolone during his post-fight drug test and, subsequently, was suspended for nine months retroactive to January 19.[22][23]

Tavares was expected to face Quinn Mulhern on November 9, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 32.[24] However, Mulhern pulled out of the bout citing an injury and was replaced by Justin Salas.[25] Tavares won the fight via submission in the first round.

Move to Featherweight edit

Tavares was expected to face promotional newcomer Zubaira Tukhugov in a featherweight bout on February 15, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 36.[26] However, Tavares was forced out of the bout citing a rib injury and replaced by Douglas Silva de Andrade.[27]

Tavares was expected to face Tom Niinimäki on May 31, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 41.[28] However, Tavares pulled out of the bout citing another injury[29] and was replaced by promotional newcomer Niklas Bäckström.[30]

In his eventual featherweight debut, Tavares faced Robbie Peralta on August 16, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 47.[31] Tavares won the fight via submission in the first round after completely dominating Peralta on the ground. The win also earned him his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[32]

Tavares was expected to face Nik Lentz in a rematch on February 14, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 60.[33] However, Tavares pulled out of the bout in late January citing yet another injury.[34]

Tavares was expected to face Zubaira Tukhugov on June 6, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 68.[35] However, Tukhugov was replaced by Brian Ortega.[36] Tavares lost the back-and-forth fight via TKO in the third round.[37] Despite the loss, Tavares was awarded his fourth Fight of the Night bonus award.[38]

Tavares faced Clay Guida on November 7, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 77.[39] He won the fight with a quick submission in the first round.[40] The win also earned Tavares his second Performance of the Night bonus award.[41]

Tavares next faced Doo Ho Choi on July 8, 2016, at The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale[42] Tavares lost the fight via KO in the first round.[43] Afterwards, the promotion did not re-sign Tavares, making him a free agent.[44]

Post-UFC career edit

After being released from the UFC, Tavares signed with Aspera FC and faced Mauricio Machado at Aspera FC 49 on February 18, 2017.[44] He won the fight via first-minute knockout.[45]

He was then scheduled to face Fabricio Oliveira at Aspera FC 50 on March 18, 2017, but withdrew from the bout due to an unknown reason.[45]

Professional Fighters League edit

He was then signed to participate the Lightweight division of the inaugural season of PFL.[3] His regular season begun with facing Robert Watley at PFL 2 on June 21, 2018. In the second round, Watley unintentionally kicked Tavares in the groin rendering him unable to continue after the five minute recovery time.[46] Contrary to the unified rules, Watley was declared as the winner.[46]

His second bout was against Arthur Estrázulas at PFL 5 on August 2, 2018. He won the fight via split decision and advanced to the playoffs.[47]

In the quarter-finals Tavares faced Islam Mamedov at PFL 9 on October 13, 2018. He lost the bout via unanimous decision and was eliminated from the playoffs.[48] However, Mamedov could not continue to the semi-finals and Tavares was brought to replace him against Rashid Magomedov.[48] Tavares lost the bout via second-round technical knockout and was eliminated from the tournament.[48] He subsequently retired from the sport in order to focus in his studies.[3]

Return from retirement edit

Reaching the clinical phase of his studies, Tavares was able to train more consistently again and was scheduled to return from retirement against Laercio Alves dos Santos at Gladiator CF on July 22, 2020. However, the bout was then rescheduled to take place on October 24, 2020. Tavares won the fight via first-round knockout.[49]

He is next expected to face Jean Carlos Liebl at Gladiator CF 54 on February 6, 2021.[50]

Then, he is also expected to face Mauricio Ariel for the Super Lightweight Championship at Inside Fighters' League 1 on April 11, 2021.[51]

Personal life edit

Tavares is currently studying medicine at University Institute of Health Sciences - Héctor A. Barceló Foundation in Buenos Aires, Argentina.[52]

Accomplishments edit

Mixed martial arts record edit

Professional record breakdown
36 matches 24 wins 11 losses
By knockout 4 8
By submission 15 0
By decision 5 3
Draws 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 24–11–1 Timur Nagibin TKO (punches) Russian Cagefighting Championship 9 May 3, 2021 3 0:50 Ekaterinburg, Russia
Win 24–10–1 Jean Carlos Liebl Submission (arm-triangle choke) Gladiator CF 54 February 6, 2021 1 1:27 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil Featherweight bout.
Win 23–10–1 Laercio Alves dos Santos TKO (punches) Gladiator CF 53 October 24, 2020 1 3:38 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
Loss 22–10–1 Rashid Magomedov TKO (punches) PFL 9 October 13, 2018 2 3:36 Long Beach, California, United States 2018 PFL Lightweight Semifinal bout.
Loss 22–9–1 Islam Mamedov Decision (unanimous) 2 5:00 2018 PFL Lightweight Quarterfinal bout.
Win 22–8–1 Arthur Estrázulas Decision (split) PFL 5 August 2, 2018 3 5:00 Uniondale, New York, United States
Loss 21–8–1 Robert Watley TKO (groin kick) PFL 2 June 21, 2018 2 0:35 Chicago, Illinois, United States Tavares was unable to continue after being kicked in the groin.
Win 21–7–1 Mauricio Machado TKO (punches) Aspera FC 49 February 18, 2017 1 0:46 Balneario Camboriu, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Loss 20–7–1 Choi Doo-ho KO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Joanna vs. Team Cláudia Finale July 8, 2016 1 2:42 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 20–6–1 Clay Guida Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson 3 November 7, 2015 1 0:39 São Paulo, Brazil Performance of the Night.
Loss 19–6–1 Brian Ortega TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Boetsch vs. Henderson June 6, 2015 3 4:10 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 19–5–1 Robbie Peralta Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Bader vs. St. Preux August 16, 2014 1 4:27 Bangor, Maine, United States Featherweight debut. Performance of the Night.
Win 18–5–1 Justin Salas Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson November 9, 2013 1 2:38 Goiânia, Brazil
Loss 17–5–1 Khabib Nurmagomedov KO (punches and elbows) UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping January 19, 2013 1 1:55 São Paulo, Brazil Tavares tested positive for drostanolone.
Win 17–4–1 Sam Stout Decision (unanimous) UFC 142 January 14, 2012 3 5:00 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 16–4–1 Spencer Fisher TKO (punches) UFC 134 August 27, 2011 2 2:51 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Loss 15–4–1 Shane Roller KO (punches) UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann March 3, 2011 2 1:28 Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Win 15–3–1 Pat Audinwood Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 119 September 25, 2010 1 3:47 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Draw 14–3–1 Nik Lentz Draw (majority) UFC Fight Night: Maynard vs. Diaz January 11, 2010 3 5:00 Fairfax, Virginia, United States Tavares was deducted 1 point due to a groin kick.
Win 14–3 Manvel Gamburyan Decision (unanimous) UFC 94 January 31, 2009 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 13–3 Kurt Pellegrino Decision (unanimous) UFC 88 September 6, 2008 3 5:00 Atlanta, Georgia, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 13–2 Matt Wiman KO (punches) UFC 85 June 7, 2008 2 1:57 London, England Fight of the Night.
Win 13–1 Michihiro Omigawa Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Swick vs. Burkman January 23, 2008 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 12–1 Tyson Griffin Decision (unanimous) UFC 76 September 22, 2007 3 5:00 Anaheim, California, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 12–0 Jason Black Submission (triangle choke) UFC Fight Night: Stout vs. Fisher June 12, 2007 2 2:49 Hollywood, Florida, United States Submission of the Night.
Win 11–0 Naoyuki Kotani Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Stevenson vs. Guillard April 5, 2007 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 10–0 Marc Duncan Submission (rear-naked choke) It's Showtime 2006 Alkmaar December 3, 2006 1 3:39 Alkmaar, Netherlands Won the It's Showtime (70 kg) Championship.
Win 9–0 Ulas Aslan TKO (punches) 2H2H: Pride & Honor November 12, 2006 1 N/A Rotterdam, Netherlands
Win 8–0 Adriano Gonçalves Submission (triangle choke) Sul Fight Championship 1 September 16, 2006 2 4:12 Balneário Camboriú, Brazil
Win 7–0 Romano de los Reyes TKO (punches) Rumble Of Amsterdam 3 May 21, 2006 2 1:24 Amsterdam, Netherlands Won the Rumble of Amsterdam Lightweight Grand Prix.
Win 6–0 Mathieu Lawalata Submission (heel hook) Rumble Of Amsterdam 3 May 21, 2006 1 0:59 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Win 5–0 Daniel Weichel Submission (guillotine choke) CWFC: Enter the Wolfslair March 5, 2006 3 4:47 Liverpool, England
Win 4–0 Marcio Cesar Submission (rear-naked choke) Storm Samurai 9 November 20, 2005 2 N/A Curitiba, Brazil
Win 3–0 Fabiano Adams Submission (choke) Extreme Combat June 5, 2005 1 0:55 Joinville, Brazil
Win 2–0 Johny Johny Submission (triangle choke) CO: Muay Thai & Vale Tudo May 2, 2004 1 4:38 Curitiba, Brazil
Win 1–0 James Jones Submission (triangle choke) Reality Fighting 5 November 1, 2003 2 1:18 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Boetsch vs. Henderson". UFC.com. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
  2. ^ "Thiago Tavares visits Phuket Top Team". Archived from the original on May 25, 2015. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  3. ^ a b c Lucas Rezende (May 27, 2020). "UFC vet Thiago Tavares talks quitting MMA to study medicine: 'It's a noble profession'". bloodyelbow.com.
  4. ^ a b "Griffin and Tavares Earn $40,000 "Fight of the Night" UFC 76 Bonuses". MMAjunkie.com. September 25, 2007.
  5. ^ a b "Alves, Burns, Wiman and Tavares earn $50K UFC 85 bonuses". MMAjunkie.com. June 7, 2008.
  6. ^ "Melvin Guillard v. Thiago Tavares at UFC 114". sbnation.com. Retrieved 2010-02-13.
  7. ^ "Thiago Tavares out of UFC 114 bout with Melvin Guillard due to elbow injury". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2010-05-13. Retrieved 2010-05-11.
  8. ^ "Thiago Tavares faces newcomer Willamy "Chiquerim" Freire at UFC on Versus 2".
  9. ^ "Injury forces Willamy Freire off UFC on Versus 2; Thiago Tavares without opponent". mmajunkie.com. July 20, 2010. Archived from the original on July 10, 2012.
  10. ^ "With no opponent available, Thiago Tavares pulled from UFC on Versus 2 fight card". mmajunkie.com. July 23, 2010. Archived from the original on July 25, 2010.
  11. ^ "Aaron Riley out, Thiago Tavares in against Pat Audinwood at UFC 119". mmajunkie.com. August 17, 2010. Archived from the original on July 11, 2012.
  12. ^ "Shane Roller vs. Thiago Tavares in the works for UFC on Versus 3". mmajunkie.com. December 28, 2010.
  13. ^ "Spencer Fisher vs. Thiago Tavares in the works for "UFC: Rio"". mmmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2011-08-21. Retrieved 2011-04-16.
  14. ^ "Sam Stout vs. Thiago Tavares slated for UFC 142 in Brazil". mmmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2011-11-08.
  15. ^ "Tavares replaces injured Hallman, faces Ferguson at UFC on Fox 3". mmajunkie.com. March 16, 2012. Archived from the original on March 17, 2012. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
  16. ^ "Thiago Tavares out, Tony Ferguson now meets Michael Johnson on UFC on FOX 3". mmajunkie.com. March 29, 2012. Archived from the original on March 30, 2012. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  17. ^ "Dennis Hallman vs. Thiago Tavares moves from UFC 150 to UFC 151". mmajunkie.com. July 12, 2012. Archived from the original on January 4, 2013.
  18. ^ "Dennis Hallman-Thiago Tavares fight moves from scrapped UFC 151 to UFC on FX 5". mmajunkie.com. August 23, 2012. Archived from the original on August 27, 2012.
  19. ^ Martin, Damon (2012-10-04). "Dennis Hallman Misses Weight Again; Bout with Thiago Tavares Cancelled for UFC on FX 5". MMAWeekly.com. Retrieved 2012-10-04.
  20. ^ Morgan, John (2012-10-04). "UFC on FX 5's Dennis Hallman released, paid show money and win bonus". MMAjunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2012-10-08. Retrieved 2012-10-04.
  21. ^ "Thiago Tavares-Khabib Nurmagomedov Booked For January Brazil Event". fightline.com. November 2, 2012. Archived from the original on January 23, 2013.
  22. ^ "Thiago Tavares fails UFC On FX 7 post fight drug test, suspended 9 months". bloodyelbow.com. February 6, 2013.
  23. ^ "Thiago Tavares Tests Positive For Drostanolone, Suspended Nine Months". mmajunkie.com. February 6, 2013.
  24. ^ Guilherme Cruz (2013-09-09). "Thiago Tavares vs. Quinn Mulhern set for UFC Fight Night 32". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2013-09-08.
  25. ^ Staff (2013-09-27). "Justin Salas replaces injured Quinn Mulhern at UFC Fight Night 32". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-09-27.
  26. ^ Guilherme Cruz (2013-12-03). "Thiago Tavares meets UFC newcomer Zubair Tuhugov in featherweight debut". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2013-12-03.
  27. ^ Guilherme Cruz (2013-02-06). "Undefeated Douglas Silva replaces injured Thiago Tavares at UFC Fight Night 36". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  28. ^ Guilherme Cruz (2014-04-01). "Tom Niinimaki vs. Thiago Tavares added to UFC Fight Night card in Berlin". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2014-04-01.
  29. ^ Staff (2014-05-14). "Thiago Tavares Injured, Tom Niinimäki Awaiting New Opponent for UFC Berlin". mmaviking.com. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  30. ^ Staff (2014-05-15). "Bäckström Versus Niinimäki Booked for UFC Berlin". mmaviking.com. Retrieved 2014-05-15.
  31. ^ Staff (2014-06-21). "Thiago Tavares drops to featherweight vs. Robbie Peralta at UFC Fight Night 47". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-06-21.
  32. ^ Staff (2014-08-17). "UFC Fight Night 47 bonuses: Boetsch, Thiago Tavares, Jouban, Baczynski win $50,000". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-08-17.
  33. ^ Staff (2014-11-25). "Nik Lentz vs. Thiago Tavares rematch set for UFC Fight Night 60 in Colorado". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-11-25.
  34. ^ John Morgan (2015-01-29). "Thiago Tavares out at UFC Fight Night 60, Nik Lentz needs new opponent". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-01-29.
  35. ^ "Zubaira Tukhugovv vs. Thiago Tavares". chechensport.com. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  36. ^ Guilherme Cruz (May 5, 2015). "Thiago Tavares announces fight with Brian Ortega at UFC Fight Night 68". mmafighting.com. Retrieved May 5, 2015.
  37. ^ Damon Martin (2015-06-06). "Brian Ortega TKO's Thiago Tavares in crowd pleasing battle". foxsports.com. Retrieved 2015-06-06.
  38. ^ Matt Erickson (2015-06-07). "UFC Fight Night 68 bonuses: Dustin Poirier gets $50,000 in front of home fans". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-06-07.
  39. ^ Staff (2015-09-18). "Clay Guida vs. Thiago Tavares added to UFC Fight Night 77 in Brazil". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-09-18.
  40. ^ Steven Marrocco (2015-11-07). "UFC Fight Night 77 results: Clay Guida slam backfires into quick sub for Thiago Tavares". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-11-07.
  41. ^ Staff (2015-11-08). "UFC Fight Night 77 bonuses: Who took home $50,000 for their stoppages in São Paulo?". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
  42. ^ Matt Boone (2016-04-30). "Thiago Tavares vs. Doo Ho Choi set for TUF 23 Finale". mmanews.com. Retrieved 2016-04-30.
  43. ^ Brent Brookhouse (2016-07-08). "TUF 23 Finale results: Doo Ho Choi crushes Thiago Tavares with punches in first". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-07-08.
  44. ^ a b Guilherme Cruz (February 2, 2017). "Thiago Tavares out of the UFC, signs with Brazilian promotion Aspera FC". mmafighting.com.
  45. ^ a b "Áspera 50 em São José terá Thiago Tavares pela 1ª vez lutando em casa". tudosobrefloripa.com.br (in Portuguese). March 2, 2017.
  46. ^ a b Guilherme Cruz (June 21, 2018). "Thiago Tavares will appeal bizarre TKO loss at PFL 2".
  47. ^ Jay Anderson (August 3, 2018). "PFL 5's Thiago Tavares Planning To Take PFL Playoffs Step By Step". cagesidepress.com.
  48. ^ a b c Mookie Alexander (October 13, 2018). "PFL 9: Light Heavyweight and lightweight quarterfinals and semifinals results and live discussion". bloodyelbow.com.
  49. ^ "Thiago Tavares vence por nocaute no Gladiator CF". nsctotal.com.br. October 27, 2020.
  50. ^ Bryan Henderson (February 3, 2021). "Out of Obscurity: One Pride 41, Golden Cage 3 and MMA Series-25". combatpress.com.
  51. ^ Diogo Santarém (January 17, 2021). "Inside Fighters League announces ex-UFC Thiago Tavares in title fight and sets date for its first edition; check out the full card". tatame.com.br (in Portuguese).
  52. ^ Guilherme Cruz (June 21, 2018). "Thiago Tavares balances MMA training, medical school ahead of PFL debut". mmafighting.com.
  53. ^ "Evans, MacDonald, Pellegrino and Tavares earn $60K UFC 88 bonuses". MMAjunkie.com. September 7, 2008.
  54. ^ Chuck Mindenhall (June 7, 2015). "Brian Ortega, Thiago Tavares take home UFC Fight Night 68 bonuses". mmafighting.com.
  55. ^ Mike Bohn (July 3, 2015). "MMAjunkie's 'Fight of the Month' for June: Featherweight bangers steal the show". mmajunkie.com.

External links edit