TRAINING: In the morning, strength and conditioning. In the evening, first part standup and afterward ground game and sparring.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I was 11 years old when I started to train boxing. At 18 I started to train BJJ and MMA.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? 29-3 in amateur boxing.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? 8-1 pro boxing record, fought for IBF youth cruiserweight boxing title. Black belt in BJJ under Marcus “Conan” Silveira

Do you have any heroes? Minotauro and Minotoro Nogueira.

What is your favorite technique? Leg Kicks

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? A dream come true! I get to test my power at a higher level.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Just basic studies.

What was your job before you started fighting? I had all kinds of jobs but I was born a fighter and that is what I’ve always done.

•    Has won three of his last four bouts

•    Win over Vedepo was awarded Knockout of The Night honors.

•    8-1 with 6 KOs as pro boxer, fought for vacant IBF youth cruiserweight title in 2005 and lost.  Left boxing with six round decision win over Nabil Haciani in December of 2005, but then returned in 2009 with victories in March and May.

•    Fast and accurate striker

•    Eight of last 10 fights, win or lose, have ended in the first round.

•    Before Leites fight, had not been the distance since a 2006 decision win over Elvis Sinosic.