Welterweight Thiago Rela makes his Bellator debut on Saturday night against a UFC veteran.
Rela (10-7 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) meets New England’s Jon Manley (11-6 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) in a 175-pound catchweight bout at Bellator 225, which takes place at Webster Arena in Bridgeport, Conn. The main card airs on Paramount following prelims on MMA Junkie.
Ahead of Bellator 225, get to know more about Rela.
Full name: Thiago Rela Constantino Juliani
Nickname: none
DOB: June 28, 1989
Height-weight: 6-foot-5, 170 pounds
Academy: Renzo Gracie Academy. I also wrestle at Edge in Hoboken, N.J.
Birthplace: I was born in Itatiba, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. I live in New York.
How did you get into martial arts?
I started training jiu-jitsu when I was 13. I had a problem in school, so my father put me in classes. I haven’t stopped since. Now I’m a black belt. I had my first MMA bout when I was a purple belt. I fought in the Brazilian amateur vale-tudo circuit. I regularly competed in jiu-jitsu until I was a brown belt. By the time I graduated to black belt, my focus had completely switched to MMA. I feel like this job chose me. I had been studying physical education but one day I had to decide my career path. Today, I have my own academy in New Jersey (TRA Jiu-Jitsu), near my home and Renzo Gracie’s academy. It’s what I do, and what I enjoy doing.
Did you receive support for your career choice?
I had support from my family, but of course, both of my parents were a bit scared. My father has never been to a fight of mine, in person. My mother comes whenever possible. My brother is trying to follow in my footsteps. I come from a small town. Everyone there always supported my dream. It’s one of the reasons I stayed on this path.
Talk about your professional career
My Sherdog record is missing a couple of wins. My record should be 12-7. I’ve had some good moments, like being on “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil” and being a finalist in the XFC tournament. I picked up a lot of experience along the way. I was champion at Circuito Talent, which was a big promotion in Brazil at the time.
I’ve never chosen my opponents. I’ve defeated tough fighters like Douglas Bertazini – it was one of the most difficult bouts of my career. I also beat UFC veteran Greg Soto. And there were losses against top fighters like Alberto Uda, and Joao Zeferino, who’s now my training partner. Joao has been one of my best friends, from the time we faced each other. He helped me get into Renzo Gracie’s academy, and move to the United States. Of course, there were a few bouts that I accepted where I hadn’t yet matured as a fighter. But I have no complaints. My losses made me a more mature and intelligent fighter. I think my mindset used to be my biggest problem. Thiago in training was never the same as Thiago in fights. I’m hoping for an opportunity to show Thiago from training, in a fight. All my wins have been by submission thus far. It’s time to showcase my striking.
Talk about being on the first edition of “TUF Brazil,” where you lost to finalist Sergio Moraes.
It was a very cool experience. But I was very immature. I was 21. I wasn’t ready. But that’s the way it was meant to be. Sergio Moraes is a beast. He’s still in the UFC. He’s only gotten better since. No need to mention that he was already a jiu-jitsu champion before that. I can now see how much more mature I’ve become. Today, I’m much more mature than who I was at 21. I’ve changed a lot.
What can you say about your next opponent, Jon Manley?
There was an opponent change, so we ended up being booked about two weeks out. I know he was on ‘TUF 16’ and fought in the UFC. He’s very experienced. I can see that he likes to rough up opponents against the fence. He has a few submission wins, but no knockouts. He’s fought guys like Mike Perry and Neil Magny. Not much changes in my strategy. I’ll just look to impose my rhythm and my strategy. He’s a big guy. It’s going to be a good fight. I’ll may look to take him down and work my game.
How’s your training camp going?
I’m getting ready at Renzo Gracie’s academy as well as Edge in Hoboken. My training partners are Joao Zeferino, Neiman Gracie, and Robson Gracie. I’ve been working on my wrestling, boxing, muay Thai. I’ve done a bit of everything. My advantage is always jiu-jitsu, but I’m looking to keep the fight standing.
Plans for the future?
I want to continue to grow my own academy, while still fighting. I also plan to compete in jiu-jitsu again.
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