Michel Prazeres | |
---|---|
Born |
Belem, Pará, Brazil |
July 25, 1981
Other names | Tractor |
Nationality | Brazilian |
Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
Weight | 155 lb (70 kg; 11.1 st) |
Division |
Lightweight Welterweight |
Reach | 67 in (170 cm) |
Fighting out of | Belém, Pará, Brazil |
Team | Frankiko Team / Trator Team |
Rank | 2nd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
Years active | 2000 – present |
Mixed martial arts record | |
Total | 23 |
Wins | 21 |
By knockout | 1 |
By submission | 8 |
By decision | 12 |
Losses | 2 |
By decision | 2 |
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
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Michel Richard Cunha dos Prazeres (born July 25, 1981) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist currently fighting as a lightweight for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Prazeres began training MMA at age 12 when he watched his inspiration, Bruce Lee. His MMA career began in 2000, when he won his debut fight by submission. He went on to win his first six fights straight via stoppage. Prazeres built up an undefeated record competing in local and regional promotions across his native Brazil before signing with the UFC in early 2013.
Upon signing with the UFC, Prazeres made his promotional debut on May 18, 2013 against Paulo Thiago at UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Rockhold. Prazeres lost the fight by unanimous decision, giving him his first career loss.
Prazeres next fought Jesse Ronson on September 21, 2013 at UFC 165. He won the fight by a close split decision. It was his first fight outside of his native Brazil.
Prazeres took on Mairbek Taisumov on March 23, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 38, replacing the injured Gleison Tibau. He won the fight by dominant unanimous decision. Taisumov had multiple point deductions and the fight ended up being scored (30-25, 30-25, 30-25) in favor of Prazeres.
Prazeres faced Kevin Lee on February 14, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 60. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.
Prazeres faced Valmir Lázaro on November 21, 2015 at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 2 Finale. He won the fight by split decision.
Prazeres was expected to face Tony Martin on July 23, 2016 at UFC on Fox 20. However, Martin pulled out of the fight in early July citing a neck injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer J.C. Cottrell. He won the fight via unanimous decision.