A highly touted Brazilian prospect makes his UFC debut this week in Russia.
Alex Da Silva (20-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) takes on Alexander Yakovlev (24-9-1 MMA, 2-4 UFC) on the preliminary card at UFC on ESPN+ 7, which takes place Saturday at Yubileyniy Arena in St. Petersburg. The card streams on ESPN+.
Ahead of the card, get to know Da Silva, a lightweight fighter who started his pro career 18-0 before suffering his first and only loss two years ago this month.
Full name: Alex da Silva Coelho
Nickname: Leko. It doesn’t have much meaning. It’s just something that people have called me since I was a little kid.
Birthplace: I was born in Icara, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. I grew up in a neighboring city, Morro da Fumaca. Today, I live in Balneario Camboriu, Santa Catarina.
DOB: 02.04.96
Height/weight: 5-foot-10/lightweight
Team: Astra Fight Team.
How’d you become a professional MMA fighter?
It was kind of funny. A muay Thai academy had just opened in my city. My cousin wanted to know more, but he didn’t want to go by himself, so he had me come along. We started training and enjoying ourselves. We would come two or three times a week.
Things happened naturally. After a few months, I had my first amateur bout. It was traditional muay Thai. Later, I started training MMA nearby. After that, I was invited to come to Balneario Camboriu. I was given the chance to join a team dedicated to MMA with great striking and wrestling coaches.
I didn’t have much assistance from my hometown, as they didn’t value my work. But my family has always supported me in this. When I originally joined the Astra team, I was still underage, still going to school. My parents helped me pay for rent and food during that first year, so I could study and train. In truth, that’s not the path my parents wished for me. But since they could see how focused I was, they gave me their support.
You have just a single loss. What can you say about your career thus far?
My career has progressed well. My coach Marcelo Brigadeiro has found me the best fight opportunities, at the best moments. My one loss (to Jakub Kowalewicz), is a matter of interpretation. I thought I had won. But these things happen. Additionally, it was at a lower weight class. I always suffered to make the weight, so my performance wasn’t as good as when I was training. But I also credit my opponent. He had the right strategy to get the win.
How are you dealing with things since you got booked with so little time to get ready?
I’m running around taking care of paperwork. But since I recently moved up in weight class, the cut won’t be hard this time. Making 155 pounds is a pleasure since I used to make 145 pounds. It’s still a challenge, but it’s much easier.
WWhat can you say about your opponent, Alexander Yakovlev?
He’s a great fighter who’s had great opponents. He’s a complete fighter. He’s faced various strikers, as well as Demian Maia. He’s tall. But we’re formulating our game, taking his height, reach, and southpaw stance into consideration. We’re picking training partners who can emulate that. I believe I’ll be victorious, despite the last-minute booking. I’m in good shape, as I’m always training. We’ll have a good fight. The fans will enjoy it.
Do you have any first-fight UFC jitters?
I’m feeling great with this opportunity. It’s something I’ve had in mind ever since I started training. I’m feeling happy. It’s something I’ve always wanted, so there’s no reason to feel any fear.
How do you see things playing out?
I’m training a little bit of everything since I know he’s a complete fighter. The fight will play out depending on what he brings.
Plans for the future?
I don’t think too far ahead. I live in the moment. I’m focused on my opponent only. Of course, no one joins the biggest promotion in the world to be an also-ran. I’m looking to be a top player. To get there, I have to be champion. So, that’s my ultimate goal.
For more on UFC on ESPN+ 7, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
