Issue 141

May 2016

Thiago Moises’ MMA career takes off thanks to a stunning helicopter armbar 

While millions of people watched on as Bellator 149’s MMA circus played out on Spike, the lucky few who tuned into AXS TV that same night were treated to the best submission of the year so far. Brazilian lightweight Thiago Moises won the title against hometown veteran David Castillo at RFA 35 in Orem, Utah, with a rare helicopter armbar that instantly put him on the fast track to superstardom. And amazingly, the Sao Paulo native admits it wasn’t even something he had much success with in the gym.

“This is a movement I used to work on when I trained a lot in the gi,” the 21-year-old tells FO. “I hit it once in MMA training. When the guy was in my guard I was looking for the triangle and when he started to stand I just did it naturally. I didn’t think.”

After being hurt early, Moises actually looked like he’d finish his opponent on the feet when he landed a crisp right uppercut. But a desperation takedown took the fight to the mat where the American Top Team product is most comfortable and could show off something special.

He elevated Castillo from guard with his feet, switched his hips and instantly locked in an armbar as his opponent dropped to the mat. His coaches and training partners in his adopted home of Coconut Creek, Florida – as well as his friends back home at 011 MMA Team – loved it. By Monday morning, Moises was a social medial sensation. “Everybody is going crazy,” he says. “When I opened my Facebook my armbar was everywhere.”

“I have a few things like that,” he adds. “If I have the chance I’m going to show you. But I’ll leave that as a surprise.”

Opportunity knocks

“I was going to finish him in the striking because he was really hurt, but I rushed and he took me down. I’m happy he took me down (laughs).”

Instinctive

“I was looking for the triangle because when he was in my guard I felt I could do that. I just go with whatever the guy gives me.”

JJ hero

“Marcelo Garcia inspires me most. He has the best jiu-jitsu. He’s super technical. He fights bigger guys and beats them with technique. He makes it look easy.”

Life experience

Moises has practiced jiu-jitsu since he was eight years old.