A Brazilian veteran makes his short-notice UFC debut Saturday in the Czech Republic.
Klidson Farias (14-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) takes on Magomed Ankalaev (9-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) to open up the main card at UFC on ESPN+ 3, which takes place Saturday at O2 arena in Prague, Czech Republic. The main card streams on ESPN+ following prelims on ESPN 2.
Ahead of the card, get to know Farias.
Full name: Klidson Farias de Abreu
Nickname: People call me ‘Urso Branco’ (White Bear in Portuguese). I had a brother, who passed away, who we used to call Panda Bear. From that, my father and uncle gave me my nickname.
DOB: 12.24.92
Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 205 pounds
Team: I belong to Evolucao Thai, and I also train jiu-jitsu at Gracie Barra.
Birthplace: I was born Manaus, Brazil, in the Alvorada neighborhood. Today I live in Curitiba.
Can you talk about your MMA career up to this point?
I’ve always fought with the intent of getting a quick finish – whether a submission or knockout. I’ve always been like that. My most important bouts took place in Russia. That’s what made me stand out. It was my passport into the UFC. I faced some really tough guys in Russia.
How’d you get into martial arts?
I started jiu-jitsu at age 4. I studied under my uncle, Inaldo Farias. He had his own gym at home, along with master Orlando Junior (Júnior) from the Alfa team. As a kid, I started travelling to competitions. After some time, I moved to Toledo (state of Parana), to study with master Rodolfo Garcia. When I went to Curitiba for a test, I met my current manager Luis Alberto Martins, from LA Sports. He still manages my career. From that point on, I started being able to support myself. Before that, I had no one’s help. After I signed with him, I was able to have a place to live, food, salary, and health insurance. I’m very thankful to him for believing in me, and in my work.
You’ll be fighting in Europe, against UFC veteran from Russia? Do you mind being the underdog on your debut?
I can be the underdog – that’s fine. I’m sure he’ll be feeling at home. I’ll arrive and show my work. I’ll show what I love doing in my life, which is fighting. Hopefully I’ll have yet another victory.
What can you say about Magomed Ankalaev? How do you see yourself defeating him?
I see that he’s very explosive, and good on the feet. He has good ground-and-pound. But we haven’t seen him with his back to the mat yet. I come from a striking academy too. I have total confidence in master Dida (André Amado). Whether the fight is on the feet or on the ground, my opponent will find that I’m willing and able to beat him. Actually, I feel the path to victory will be my jiu-jitsu. That’s what I envision happening.
Plans for the future?
My plan for the future is to be a champion in the UFC. I’ve had this in mind ever since I started out in MMA. My plan is to get the belt. I don’t care against whom.
Final thoughts?
I’m very thankful to Evolucao Thai and to my manager. I’m also thankful to master Pimpolho (Rodrigo Fajardo) at Gracie Barra Curitiba. I feel very ready. I’m going to be the same as always – moving forward, looking for a finish.
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