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Paulo Filho
Paulo Filho
Paulo Filho
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Paulo Filho
Medal record
Representing  Brazil
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 1997 Rio de Janeiro   -94kg
Silver medal – second place 1998 Rio de Janeiro   -94kg
Silver medal – second place 1999 Rio de Janeiro   -94kg

Key Information

Paulo Filho (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈpawlu ˈfiʎu]; born May 24, 1978), is a Brazilian retired mixed martial artist who last competed in the Middleweight division. A professional competitor from 2000 until 2014, Filho was the last WEC Middleweight Champion, and also competed in PRIDE, DREAM, Pancrase, DEEP, Impact FC, and the World Series of Fighting.[4]

Background

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Filho was born in Governador Island to a Jewish-Brazilian dad and a Pernambuco native mom, in Rio de Janeiro, he is the only child and was raised in Cocota until he and his family moved to Zona Sul when Filho was eight years old. It was soon after moving to Copacabana in the Zona Sul area of Rio de Janeiro when Filho began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the Carlson Gracie academy, and then also began training in judo, and later mixed martial arts.[5] He did extremely well in judo competitions and also in jiu-jitsu competitions becoming one of Gracie's proteges and he received his black belt in jiu-jitsu from Carlson himself when he was 20 years old. Filho has stated in several interviews that his career's goal have always been to defend jiu-jitsu and specially the Gracie Family as a whole. He has stated that "It is because of this family that I have everything in my life and for that I am forever grateful". He is well respected in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community not just from fans but from high level competitors that have trained with him and consider him to be one of the best in the world. Filho is also a pit bull lover and has a pit bull tattoo in his stomach.

Mixed martial arts career

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PRIDE Fighting Championships

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During his stint in PRIDE, Filho was the only undefeated entrant in the 2006 PRIDE Welterweight Grand Prix, but he did not win the tournament as an injury kept him from the tournament finals. In the semi-finals of the tournament on PRIDE Bushido 13, November 5, 2006, Filho defeated Kazuo Misaki by armbar. Unfortunately, Filho suffered a ruptured membrane in his knee during the fight, forcing him to withdraw from the Grand Prix finals match against Denis Kang, who also suffered injury with a torn biceps in the semi-finals.[6] Filho was replaced by Misaki, who went on to defeat an already injured Kang and claim the Grand Prix title. Filho's most notable wins include Kazuo Misaki, Amar Suloev and Yuki Kondo, as well as Murilo Rua and Ikuhisa Minowa.

World Extreme Cagefighting

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He signed with the World Extreme Cagefighting and fought for the vacant middleweight title on August 5, 2007, at WEC 29. Filho defeated Canadian jiu-jitsu fighter Joe Doerksen via TKO (strikes) at 4:07 of the first round. His first title defense occurred at WEC 31, where he was awarded a controversial win over 2-time National Wrestling Champion Chael Sonnen by armbar at 4:55 in the second round. Due to controversy stemming from the fight stoppage (Sonnen's screams of pain were taken as a verbal submission by the referee, despite his objections), Filho was scheduled to face Sonnen again at WEC 33. However, Filho pulled out of this bout because he had checked into a substance abuse rehab facility.[7] Filho faced Sonnen at WEC 36 on November 5 live on Versus. Filho missed weight for this match, however the contest went ahead as a non-title three round fight.[8][9] Sonnen dominated the fight and took a unanimous decision victory. Throughout the fight Filho seemed disturbed, disoriented, and confused and his team has associated the episode with his extreme weigh cut.[10] After the WEC's middleweight division was absorbed into the Ultimate Fighting Championship in December 2008, Filho became a free agent and decided to take time off as he felt he lost the love for fighting.

DREAM

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Filho made his DREAM debut on July 20, 2009, when he took on light heavyweight Melvin Manhoef at Dream 10 in Saitama, Japan. Filho showed great perseverance and a good chin in the fight, weathering an onslaught of strikes from the dangerous Manhoef before executing a powerful takedown that immediately put him in half guard, from which he then swiftly transitioned into a full mount whilst at the same time trapping Melvin's left arm; he quickly secured an armbar to win the bout in the first round.

Filho was scheduled to face Yoon Dong-Sik on October 25, 2009, at Dream 12,[11] but failed to show up and was replaced on the card.[12]

Bitetti Combat

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Filho made his debut in one of Brazil's top promotions, Bitetti Combat, on September 12, 2009, at Bitetti Combat's 4th event against Argentinian Alex Schoenauer. Filho controlled throughout the whole fight and pulled off a unanimous decision. He then fought Tatsuhiko Nishizaka on December 12, 2009, at Bitetti Combat 5. He easily took the fight to the ground, controlled and secured a Kimura in the very first round.

He was scheduled to fight Yuki Sasaki in the main event at Bitetti Combat 6 on February 25, 2010, but it was announced on February 22 that he had withdrawn from the bout due to "personal problems". Later that day, it was confirmed that Filho would in fact be fighting Sasaki. Filho then failed to show for the event's weigh-in, forcing a last minute cancellation of his bout with Sasaki.[13]

Bellator Fighting Championships

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Filho was scheduled to face Bellator Fighting Championships Middleweight champion Hector Lombard in a non-title bout on May 13, 2010, at Bellator 18,[14] but Filho pulled out of the bout due to visa issues and was replaced by Jay Silva.[15]

Future

[edit]

Filho made his Heavyweight debut and defeated Chilean newcomer Daniel Villegas on June 4, 2010, via first-round submission due to strikes.[16] Filho faced Denis Kang on July 17, 2010, for the Australian-based promotion Impact Fighting Championships.[17] They fought to a draw. In what came as a surprise decision to many, Filho was invited to participate in the ADCC submission grappling championship in Nottingham, England. Filho withdrew prior to the event due to injury. Paulo fought Satoshi Ishii on September 14, 2011. The bout was ruled a draw.

Retirement

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On October 19, 2011 Filho made the announcement he would be retiring from Mixed Martial Arts and may or may not fight at KSW.[18] During an interview Filho stated the reason for his retirement was his long struggle with substance abuse, he regretted that he was so far from where he could have been in MMA.

Back from retirement

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Filho returned from retirement to face former UFC fighter Dave Branch in the World Series of Fighting 2 event on March 23, 2013. Filho was dominated by Branch in every aspect of the fight and lost a unanimous decision. Filho fought André Muniz at the Bitetti Combat 19 event on February 6, 2014. He again lost via a one sided unanimous decision.[19]

Following Melvin Manhoef's knockout of Evangelista Santos at Gringo Superfight 10, Filho, who won their first outing by submission, entered the cage and challenged Manhoef to a rematch. Though Manhoef wasn't asked about the possible fight before the challenge, he later accepted, and GSF promoter Antonio Tolentino announced the rematch would take place in November 2014.[20]

Filho was expected to face Amilcar Alves at Fatality Arena 7 on September 21, 2014. However, Filho was pulled from the bout due to an apparent seizure.[21] In an interview with MMAFighting.com, Filho stated that it was personal issues that prevented him from competing.[22] Filho's trainer and personal friend Murilo Bustamante has stated that Filho has not "stepped foot at the academy pre-fight" to most of his bouts since WEC days.

Car accident

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In 2017 Filho fractured his hip socket and left hand following a car accident where he crashed into another car. He has made a full recovery and spends his time now speaking with children and teaching Jiu-Jitsu in Rio de Janeiro.[23]

Championships and accomplishments

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Brazilian jiu-jitsu

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  • CBJJ World Championships
    • 1999
      • Black Belt Pesado: 2nd Place
    • 1998
      • Brown Belt Pesado: 2nd Place
    • 1997
      • Purple Belt Pesado: 1st Place
  • CBJJ Brazilian Championships
    • 2000
      • Black Belt Pesado: 2nd Place
    • 1999
      • Black Belt Pesado: 2nd Place
    • 1998
      • Brown Belt Pesado: 1st Place
    • 1996
      • Blue Belt Pesadíssimo: 1st Place

He got his Black Belt in Judo in '96 from Clube de Regatas Flamengo. His black belt in BJJ was awarded in 1998, from Carlson Gracie.

Mixed martial arts

[edit]

Submission grappling

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  • Abu Dhabi Combat Club
    • 2005 ADCC Brazilian Trials Champion

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
32 matches 23 wins 6 losses
By knockout 5 0
By submission 8 0
By decision 10 6
Draws 3
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 23–6–3 André Muniz Decision (unanimous) Bitetti Combat 19 February 6, 2014 3 5:00 Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil For the Bitetti Combat Middleweight Championship.
Draw 23–5–3 Rodney Wallace Draw (time limit expired) Selva MMA 2 August 4, 2013 3 5:00 Rio Branco, Brazil Bout declared a draw due to expiration of time and lack of judges.
Loss 23–5–2 David Branch Decision (unanimous) World Series of Fighting 2 March 23, 2013 3 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 23–4–2 Murilo Rua TKO (punches) Best of the Best: Filho vs. Ninja II September 6, 2012 1 0:47 Belém, Brazil
Draw 22–4–2 Satoshi Ishii Draw Amazon Forest Combat 1 September 14, 2011 3 5:00 Manaus, Brazil Light Heavyweight bout.
Loss 22–4–1 Norman Paraisy Decision (unanimous) X-Combat Ultra: International Grand Prix May 20, 2011 3 5:00 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Loss 22–3–1 Ronny Markes Decision (unanimous) International Fighter Championship April 29, 2011 3 5:00 Recife, Brazil Light Heavyweight bout.
Win 22–2–1 Jackson Mora Decision (split) World Fighting Combat: Pretorian March 19, 2011 3 5:00 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 21–2–1 Yuki Sasaki Decision (unanimous) Bitetti Combat 8 December 4, 2010 3 5:00 São Paulo, Brazil
Loss 20–2–1 Marcos Rogério de Lima Decision (unanimous) First Class Fight 5 October 23, 2010 3 5:00 São Paulo, Brazil Light Heavyweight bout.
Draw 20–1–1 Denis Kang Draw (split) Impact FC 2 July 18, 2010 3 5:00 Sydney, Australia Middleweight bout.
Win 20–1 Daniel Villegas TKO (submission to punches) Memorial Fight Qualifying June 4, 2010 1 N/A São Paulo, Brazil Heavyweight bout. Originally scheduled as a Light Heavyweight bout, however Filho weighed in at 218 lbs.
Win 19–1 Tatsuhiko Nishizaka Submission (kimura) Bitetti Combat 5 December 12, 2009 1 3:00 Barueri, Brazil Light Heavyweight bout.
Win 18–1 Alex Schoenauer Decision (unanimous) Bitetti Combat 4 September 12, 2009 3 5:00 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Light Heavyweight bout.
Win 17–1 Melvin Manhoef Submission (armbar) DREAM 10 July 20, 2009 1 2:35 Saitama, Saitama, Japan
Loss 16–1 Chael Sonnen Decision (unanimous) WEC 36: Faber vs. Brown November 5, 2008 3 5:00 Hollywood, Florida, United States Non-title bout; Filho missed weight (192 lbs).
Win 16–0 Chael Sonnen Submission (armbar) WEC 31 December 12, 2007 2 4:55 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Defended the WEC Middleweight Championship.
Win 15–0 Joe Doerksen TKO (punches) WEC 29 August 5, 2007 1 4:07 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won the vacant WEC Middleweight Championship.
Win 14–0 Kazuo Misaki Submission (armbar) PRIDE Bushido 13 November 5, 2006 1 9:43 Yokohama, Japan PRIDE 2006 Welterweight Grand Prix Semifinal.
Win 13–0 Ryo Chonan Submission (armbar) PRIDE Bushido 12 August 26, 2006 1 2:30 Nagoya, Japan PRIDE 2006 Welterweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.
Win 12–0 Gregory Bouchelaghem Decision (unanimous) PRIDE Bushido 11 June 4, 2006 2 5:00 Saitama, Japan PRIDE 2006 Welterweight Grand Prix First Round.
Win 11–0 Murilo Rua Decision (unanimous) PRIDE Bushido 10 April 2, 2006 2 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 10–0 Ryuta Sakurai Submission (armbar) PRIDE Bushido 9 September 25, 2005 1 3:49 Tokyo, Japan
Win 9–0 Amar Suloev Submission (armbar) PRIDE Bushido 6 April 3, 2005 1 4:22 Yokohama, Japan Light Heavyweight bout.
Win 8–0 Akira Shoji Decision (split) PRIDE Bushido 4 July 19, 2004 2 5:00 Nagoya, Japan
Win 7–0 Daijiro Matsui Decision (unanimous) Gladiator FC: Day 2 June 27, 2004 3 5:00 Seoul, South Korea
Win 6–0 Silmar Rodrigo Decision (unanimous) Bitetti Combat Nordeste 3 April 1, 2004 3 5:00 Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
Win 5–0 Akira Shoji Submission (armbar) PRIDE 22 September 29, 2002 1 2:48 Nagoya, Japan
Win 4–0 Yuki Kondo Decision (unanimous) DEEP: 2nd Impact August 18, 2001 3 5:00 Yokohama, Japan
Win 3–0 Ikuhisa Minowa Decision (unanimous) Pancrase: Proof 2 March 31, 2001 3 5:00 Osaka, Japan
Win 2–0 Keiichiro Yamamiya KO (punches) DEEP: 1st Impact January 8, 2001 2 0:29 Nagoya, Japan
Win 1–0 Luiz Claudio das Dores TKO (submission to punches) Heroes: Heroes 1 July 24, 2000 2 N/A Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Submission grappling record

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Paulo Filho

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Paulo Filho, also known by the nickname "Ely," is a retired Brazilian mixed martial artist and black belt competitor, renowned for his accomplishments in both disciplines, including winning the (WEC) Middleweight Championship and prestigious titles in . Born on May 24, 1978, in Ilha do Governador, Rio de Janeiro, , Filho began training in at the age of eight under the legendary at his academy in Copacabana, eventually earning his black belt from the same instructor. He also holds a black belt in from Clube Regatas do Flamengo, which complemented his expertise throughout his career. Filho's professional MMA career spanned from 2000 to 2018, during which he compiled a record of 24 wins, 6 losses, and 3 draws, with victories distributed across knockouts (5), submissions (9), and decisions (10). He achieved an undefeated streak of 16-0 early in his career and competed in prominent promotions such as Pride Fighting Championships, WEC, and Dream, securing the WEC Middleweight title with a notable submission victory over Chael Sonnen at WEC 31 in December 2007. Other significant wins include a TKO against Melvin Manhoef at Dream 10 in 2009 and a decision over Kazuo Misaki at Pride Bushido 13 in 2006, showcasing his versatility as a middleweight fighter standing at 5'8" (173 cm) and weighing around 185 lbs (84 kg). In , Filho competed in the pesado (heavyweight) division and amassed prestigious accolades, including a at the IBJJF World Championships in 1997 (purple belt), as well as the Brazilian Nationals in 1996 (blue belt) and 1998 (brown belt). He further excelled by winning the ADCC Brazilian Trials in 2005, highlighting his elite-level skills that translated effectively into his MMA success. Despite personal challenges later in his career, including struggles with depression and a serious injury in 2014 when he was shot in the leg at a party, Filho remains a respected figure in the combat sports community for his technical prowess and contributions to .

Early life

Family background

Paulo Filho was born on May 24, 1978, in Ilha do Governador, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, . As the only child of a father and a mother, Filho was raised in a middle-class that emphasized stability and education. He spent his early childhood in the Cocotá neighborhood until age eight, when his family relocated to the affluent Zona Sul area of Rio de Janeiro, including Copacabana, providing a more urban and coastal environment during his formative years.

Introduction to martial arts

Paulo Filho began training in martial arts during his childhood in Rio de Janeiro, starting with judo at the age of five and Brazilian jiu-jitsu at eight shortly after his family moved to the Copacabana neighborhood. He enrolled at the renowned Carlson Gracie Academy, where he trained under the direct guidance of Carlson Gracie, a pivotal figure in the evolution of Brazilian jiu-jitsu from its Gracie family roots. This early immersion in a competitive environment shaped his foundational techniques, emphasizing aggressive, fight-oriented grappling that became hallmarks of the Carlson Gracie lineage. Filho's dedication was evident in his rapid advancement, earning a black belt in judo from Clube de Regatas do Flamengo in 1996 at age 18 and a black belt from himself in 1998 at age 20. These milestones underscored his exceptional talent and rigorous training regimen at the academy, where he honed both disciplines under mentors who prioritized real-world application over sport-specific rules. As part of the tradition, Filho absorbed influences from Carlson's philosophy, which stressed and technical precision derived from the original Gracie jiu-jitsu system. Following his foundational years at Academy, Filho transitioned to the Brazilian Top Team (BTT), a camp formed by key alumni including and Mario Sperry, where he continued to refine his skills in a team-oriented setting. BTT's environment, steeped in Gracie lineage principles, provided a collaborative space for integrating throws with jiu-jitsu submissions, further solidifying his versatile base. Early on, Filho participated in local amateur competitions under 's guidance, gaining practical experience that tested his developing techniques against peers in informal tournaments around Rio de Janeiro.

Grappling career

Brazilian jiu-jitsu achievements

Paulo Filho began his competitive career with notable success in the late 1990s, earning a in the adult purple belt heavyweight division at the 1997 IBJJF World Championships, representing the Protesto team. This victory marked his emergence as a promising talent in gi-based competitions, where he demonstrated strong grappling fundamentals honed under early influences in the sport. The following year, Filho secured a in the adult brown belt division at the 1998 IBJJF World Championships while training with . His performance highlighted his rapid progression through the belt ranks, culminating in his promotion to black belt by in 1998 at the age of 20. As a newly minted black belt, he continued to compete at a high level, capturing a in the adult black belt division at the 1999 IBJJF World Championships, again affiliated with 's team in Lagoa. In addition to his international accolades, Filho represented in domestic events, winning gold medals at the Brazilian Nationals in the blue belt division in 1996, the brown belt division in 1998, and an open-weight category in 2000, while earning silver in 1999. These national triumphs underscored his versatility across weight classes and belt levels. Later in his career, he aligned with Top Team, contributing to the academy's reputation in BJJ through his established competitive pedigree and technical expertise.

Submission grappling competitions

Paulo Filho's transition to submission grappling competitions marked a pivotal shift as he prepared for a career in , adapting his foundation to no-gi formats that emphasized wrestling and rapid submissions without the gi's grip advantages. His black belt proficiency in guard passing and positional control proved effective in these environments, allowing him to showcase aggressive top pressure and opportunistic chokes in -only rulesets. A notable early appearance came in 2002 during a high-stakes no-gi exhibition pitting against , where Filho faced Alexandre "Cacareco" Ferreira in a match that highlighted the era's inter-style rivalries. The bout, held under submission grappling rules, featured intense scrambles and near-finishes, with Cacareco dominating positionally at times but Filho countering with resilient defense and submission attempts from the bottom. To prevent crowd unrest amid the heated atmosphere, officials declared a after a prolonged stalemate. Filho's most significant achievement in organized no-gi competition occurred at the 2005 ADCC Brazilian Trials, where he captured the gold medal in the -88 kg division by defeating top contenders through a combination of takedowns and ground control leading to points victories and submissions. This win qualified him for the ADCC World Championships, though he ultimately did not compete due to unforeseen circumstances related to his concurrent MMA commitments.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Paulo Filho launched his professional on July 24, 2000, defeating Luiz Claudio das Dores by TKO (submission to punches) in the second round at the Heroes 1 event in Rio de Janeiro, . Filho quickly expanded to the international scene, making his Japanese debut on January 8, 2001, with a second-round via punches against Keiichiro Yamamiya at Deep - 1st Impact. He built on this momentum with a unanimous decision victory over on March 31, 2001, at - Proof 2, followed by another unanimous decision win versus on August 18, 2001, at Deep - 2nd Impact. From 2002 to 2005, Filho competed in various Brazilian and Japanese regional promotions, including triumphs over Silmar Rodrigo at Bitetti Combat Nordeste 3 on April 1, 2004, and at Gladiator FC - Day 2 on June 27, 2004. These bouts helped Filho cultivate an undefeated streak that reached 16-0, while honing a multifaceted style that integrated his black belt proficiency, techniques, and potent striking. During this formative phase, he affiliated with the Brazilian Top Team in Rio de Janeiro, training under a renowned collective of grapplers and strikers. Filho's extensive submission grappling background, including world championships in , facilitated his early success with ground-based finishes in MMA.

PRIDE Fighting Championships

Paulo Filho entered the 2006 Grand Prix following a string of victories that showcased his grappling prowess, including a win over at 10 on April 2, 2006, which secured his spot in the tournament. In a reserve bout prior to the main bracket, he defeated Gregory Bouchelaghem by at 11 on June 4, 2006, maintaining his momentum. Filho's Grand Prix campaign began in the quarterfinals at PRIDE Bushido 12 on August 26, 2006, where he submitted Ryo Chonan via armbar in the first round at 2:31, demonstrating his signature control. Advancing to the semifinals at PRIDE Bushido 13 on November 5, 2006, he again secured a first-round armbar victory, this time over at 9:43, positioning him as the frontrunner in the tournament. However, during the Misaki fight, Filho sustained a severe —a ruptured meniscus—that forced his withdrawal from the Grand Prix final against , ending his tenure prematurely. This occurred amid a dominant 4-0 run in 2006 events, contributing to his overall undefeated 7-0 record in the promotion. Filho's performances in , particularly his efficient submission wins against high-level opponents, solidified his reputation as one of the premier grapplers in , highlighting his technical superiority on the ground despite the unfinished tournament.

World Extreme Cagefighting

Following his undefeated run in , Paulo Filho signed a contract with (WEC) in 2007, drawn by the promotion's emphasis on established grapplers transitioning to its cage format. He made his promotional debut on August 5, 2007, at WEC 29 in , , challenging for the inaugural WEC Middleweight Championship against Joe Doerksen. Filho dominated the bout with superior grappling, securing a technical knockout via punches at 4:07 of the first round after transitioning from ground control to ground-and-pound, thus claiming the title. Filho defended his title in his next appearance at WEC 31 on December 12, 2007, also in , facing top contender in a highly anticipated matchup. Despite Sonnen's wrestling pressure, Filho reversed positions multiple times and locked in an armbar in the second round at 4:55, forcing the tap and retaining the championship. This victory solidified his status as the division's elite submission specialist, though it highlighted ongoing adaptation challenges to the cage's confined space compared to PRIDE's ring. Filho's reign ended abruptly at WEC 36 on November 5, 2008, in , in a non-title rematch against Sonnen. He missed weight dramatically, coming in at 192 pounds initially—seven pounds over the 185-pound limit—and only reducing to 189 pounds after additional efforts, leading WEC officials to strip the belt's defense status from the fight. Sonnen capitalized on Filho's apparent lethargy and control issues, dominating with wrestling to earn a victory (30-27 across all cards), marking Filho's first professional loss. These weight struggles, compounded by the promotion's impending acquisition by (UFC's parent company) and subsequent roster shifts, contributed to Filho's release from WEC shortly after, curtailing what was projected as a dominant title era.

DREAM and later promotions

Following his tenure in the , Paulo Filho signed with the Japanese promotion DREAM, debuting at DREAM 10 on July 20, 2009, against . Filho secured a first-round submission victory via armbar at 2:36, marking his return to international prominence after a controversial loss of the WEC middleweight title. This win improved his record to 17-1 and showcased his grappling expertise against the striking-oriented Manhoef. Filho was scheduled to face Yoon Dong Sik at DREAM.12 on October 25, 2009, but failed to appear at the weigh-ins and , leading to his removal from the card. Event producer Keiichi Sasahara issued a apology for the absence, while Filho's manager Ed Soares confirmed the fighter was physically fine but did not elaborate further at the time. Later revelations attributed the no-show to Filho's ongoing battle with depression, stemming from a two-year to sleeping pills that had disrupted his training and . Transitioning to Brazil, Filho competed in Bitetti Combat, starting with a unanimous decision win over Alex Schoenauer at Bitetti Combat 4 on September 12, 2009, dominating with control over three rounds. He followed with a first-round submission against Tatsuhiko Nishizaka at Bitetti Combat 5 on December 12, 2009, extending his win streak. However, Filho withdrew from a headline bout against Yuki Sasaki at Bitetti Combat 6 on February 25, 2010, citing undisclosed issues amid reports of slowed training and problems linked to his earlier depression. He returned at Bitetti Combat 8 on December 4, 2010, earning a over Yuki Sasaki in a grueling three-round . Filho's appearances in other promotions during this period were inconsistent, beginning with a scheduled "super fight" against Hector Lombard at Bellator Fighting Championships 18 on May 13, 2010, from which he was replaced by due to withdrawal. He then fought in regional events, securing a first-round TKO (punches) over Daniel Villegas at Memorial Fight Qualifying on June 4, 2010, but drawing via with at Impact FC 2 on July 18, 2010. Subsequent bouts reflected declining form, including unanimous decision losses to Marcos Rogerio de Lima at First Class Fight 5 on October 23, 2010, at IFC on April 29, 2011, and Norman Paraisy at X-Combat Ultra on May 20, 2011, often struggling with takedown defense and cardio. A win over Jackson Mora at WFC 4 on March 19, 2011, provided a brief highlight amid these setbacks, attributed in part to lingering effects of his substance-related health struggles.

Retirement and return

Initial retirement

On October 19, 2011, Paulo Filho announced his retirement from in an with Brazilian outlet Tatame, stating that he planned to compete in one final bout against at KSW 17 on November 26 before stepping away permanently. However, he withdrew from the bout due to concerns shortly before the event. He cited ongoing personal struggles, including depression and , as key factors in his decision, noting that these issues had increasingly hindered his ability to train and perform effectively. Filho specifically addressed his history with rohypnol, a prescription , as the primary substance involved, emphasizing that he had sought treatment and achieved by the time of the announcement. These challenges had been building since his tenure with DREAM, where inconsistent results—such as a draw against in 2011—reflected the toll on his preparation and focus, compounded by a subsequent unanimous decision loss to at IFC in April 2011. In public statements, he expressed disillusionment with the sport, declaring, "I don’t want this anymore," and reflecting that he was "far from what I could have been, but I’m satisfied" with his accomplishments despite the obstacles. The announcement drew attention to rumors of ongoing addiction, which Filho refuted as originating from a financial dispute with his former manager, Rodrigo Gripp de Sousa, who had alleged life-threatening risks if untreated. Filho clarified that he had been sober for a month following rehab and was determined to close his MMA chapter on his terms, though KSW officials prepared contingencies in case he withdrew early. Despite the announcement, Filho continued to compete sporadically in the following years, prioritizing personal recovery amid competitive pursuits in MMA.

Comeback attempts

After announcing retirement in late 2011, Paulo Filho returned to in 2012, defeating via first-round TKO at Best of the Best on September 6. He sought further opportunities in 2013, signing with the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) to revive his career. His WSOF debut came on March 23, 2013, at WSOF 2 against former UFC fighter David Branch, where Filho suffered a loss after three rounds, appearing out of shape and struggling with defense throughout the bout. The performance raised concerns about his readiness, compounded by a pre-fight that delayed his arrival in Atlantic City. Following the defeat, Filho was released from WSOF, prompting a shift to regional promotions in Brazil. On August 4, , he faced Rodney Wallace at Selva MMA ExpoAcre in a five-round bout that ended in a draw due to time limit, with Filho landing effective strikes but unable to secure a finish. In November , Filho announced he was healthy and training at , planning to compete at for the first time to address lingering issues from prior years. Filho's resurgence continued into 2014 with a bout at Bitetti Combat 19 on February 6 against rising prospect for the promotion's title. Despite dropping to in training, he fought at and lost via after three rounds, as Muniz dominated with superior and control. The loss highlighted ongoing challenges, including recovery from past injuries and the physical toll of his earlier career. After a four-year hiatus, Filho made another comeback on May 11, 2018, at WAWAN MMA Fight Night in , defeating Mohamed Ashraf via first-round submission in a bout. These efforts marked his post-2011 record at 2-2-1, after which he retired from professional MMA competition.

Personal life

Gunshot incident

On October 25, 2014, Paulo Filho was attending a house party in the Joá neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, , when he became involved in an altercation. After arguing with a young attendee and allegedly assaulting him, Filho was shot in the thigh by the young man's father as he attempted to leave the premises. No physical fight ensued between Filho and the shooter, whom Filho did not see during the incident. The gunshot caused an exposed fracture of the , with the bullet narrowly missing the and resulting in significant blood loss. Filho was immediately rushed to Miguel Couto Municipal Hospital, where he underwent emergency on October 29 to address the injury. He was later transferred to the Tijutrauma clinic, and a second operation was performed in early November to insert a metal rod into the bone, similar to treatments received by other fighters like . The severity of the wound placed Filho at risk of life-threatening complications, including potential . In the immediate aftermath, security personnel at the party removed the shooter from the scene, and police involvement was limited, with Filho's legal team later investigating the matter. Filho himself stated that he nearly died from the blood loss, expressing confusion over the events and plans to sue those responsible. The incident exacerbated his preexisting depression—stemming from issues that began in the late , including a 2008 rehab stint for chemical dependency and challenges that affected his MMA performances—leaving him emotionally distraught and uncertain about his future in , which he had just competed in weeks earlier.

Car accident and recovery

On September 18, 2017, Paulo Filho was involved in a serious car accident in Niterói, near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, when the 2004 white Fiat Palio he was driving collided head-on with another vehicle after he accidentally entered a road under construction in the wrong direction. The crash resulted in fractures to his acetabulum (hip socket) and left hand, injuries that required immediate hospitalization at Tijutrauma hospital. Filho underwent surgery for his injuries shortly after the accident, around September 20 or 21, 2017, to address the fractures. In a statement to following the incident, he described the severity as manageable despite the pain, noting, “I fractured the and my left hand, but I’m fine,” while emphasizing that the other driver also sustained similar hip injuries. The accident significantly disrupted his post-MMA routine, limiting mobility and daily activities during the initial recovery phase, though Filho downplayed long-term concerns at the time. Following surgery, Filho engaged in a rehabilitation process involving physical therapy over several months to regain full function in his hip and hand. By early 2018, he had achieved full recovery, as demonstrated by his successful return to mixed martial arts competition on May 11, 2018, where he secured a submission victory against Mohamed Ashraf Gahi at Wawan MMA 16 without apparent limitations from the prior injuries. This milestone confirmed his complete restoration to health less than a year after the accident.

Post-retirement activities

Following his recovery in 2017, Paulo Filho returned to teaching at academies in Rio de Janeiro, focusing on passing down techniques from his training under . As a black belt awarded by the legendary , Filho draws on this lineage to instruct students in the foundational principles of the art, emphasizing precision honed during his competitive career. Filho has been involved in mentoring young fighters through local training sessions in Rio, sharing insights from his Carlson Gracie Team background to develop the next generation of grapplers. His resilience from past incidents, including overcoming long-term depression through personal reflection and support, has enabled him to maintain this active teaching role, contributing to community programs that promote discipline and technique. Beyond the mats, Filho nurtures personal interests such as owning pit bulls—a passion that began in 1991 and led to a prominent on his —while expressing deep respect for the as pioneers of . As of November 2025, Filho remains retired from professional , with no competitive MMA bouts since his last appearance in 2018, instead opting for low-profile outings. In July 2025, he competed in the IBJJF Sao Paulo Open No-Gi tournament in the heavyweight division, facing Matheus Fontes in a match that highlighted his ongoing connection to submission without pursuing full-time competition. Recent media updates, including posts and profiles, confirm his focus on instruction and rather than high-stakes events.

Championships and accomplishments

Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Paulo Filho was awarded his black belt in by in 1998, marking a significant milestone in his grappling development under one of the art's foundational lineages. He has represented in prestigious international gi competitions, showcasing his technical prowess in the heavyweight divisions. Filho's formal achievements in IBJJF-sanctioned events highlight his rapid progression through the belt ranks and competitive dominance:
  • 1996 CBJJ Brazilian Nationals: in the adult blue belt division.
  • 1997 IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship: in the adult purple belt division (-94 kg), representing Protesto team.
  • 1998 CBJJ Brazilian Nationals: in the adult brown belt division.
  • 1998 IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship: in the adult brown belt division (-94 kg), representing team.
  • 1999 IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship: in the adult black belt division (-94 kg), representing Carlson Lagoa team.
These early successes in gi-based established a strong foundation for Filho's broader career.

Mixed martial arts

Paulo Filho captured the WEC Championship on August 5, 2007, at WEC 29, defeating Joe Doerksen by TKO (strikes) at 4:07 of the first round. He successfully defended the title once on December 12, 2007, at WEC 31, submitting via armbar at 4:55 of the second round. The championship was vacated after Filho missed weight for his rematch with Sonnen at WEC 36 on November 5, 2008, resulting in a non-title loss. In , Filho achieved runner-up status in the 2006 Grand Prix, reaching the final after a first-round armbar submission victory over in the semifinals but withdrawing due to a knee injury sustained during the bout. He maintained an undefeated 5-0 record across his appearances from 2005 to 2006, all victories occurring under the ruleset. Filho's strong Brazilian jiu-jitsu foundation contributed to multiple submission wins in his MMA career, including several armbars that highlighted his ground control expertise.

Submission grappling

Paulo Filho demonstrated his expertise in no-gi submission grappling by winning the 2005 ADCC Brazilian Trials championship in the under 88 kg division, securing qualification for the ADCC . This triumph highlighted his dominant ground control and submission skills in a competitive field of elite Brazilian grapplers. He has continued to compete in prominent no-gi events, including the ADCC Brazil Opens, where he competed in the adult advanced -91 kg division at the 2025 Open. Filho's key submission victories in grappling formats underscore his technical proficiency, such as his participation in high-profile matches, including intense bouts against practitioners like Alexandre "Cacareco" Ferreira in 2002, further cemented his reputation for resilient, high-stakes no-gi exchanges, even if some ended in draws. In terms of recognition, Filho has been acknowledged in grappling communities for his contributions to submission arts, with peers like praising his ground game as among the best in divisions during his peak years. While not inducted into major halls of fame specific to submission grappling, his undefeated streak in early no-gi trials and consistent event appearances reflect his enduring impact on the discipline.

Professional records

Mixed martial arts record

Paulo Filho amassed a professional mixed martial arts record of 24 wins, 6 losses, and 3 draws across 33 bouts from July 2000 to May 2018.
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Win24–6–3Mohamed Ashraf GahiSubmission (arm-triangle choke)Wawan MMA 16 - Wawan Fight NightMay 10, 201811:55Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Loss23–6–3Andre MunizDecision (unanimous)Bitetti Combat 19Feb 6, 201435:00Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Draw23–5–3Rodney WallaceDraw (time limit)Selva MMA - ExpoAcre 2013Aug 4, 201355:00Rio Branco, Brazil
Loss23–5–2David BranchDecision (unanimous)WSOF 2 - Arlovski vs. JohnsonMar 23, 201335:00Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win23–5–2Murilo RuaTKO (punches)BOTB - Filho vs. NinjaSep 6, 201210:47Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Draw22–5–2Satoshi IshiiDrawAmazon Forest Combat 1Sep 14, 201135:00Manaus, Brazil
Loss22–5–1Norman ParaisyDecision (unanimous)X-Combat Ultra - International Grand PrixMay 20, 201135:00Paris, France
Loss22–4–1Ronny MarkesDecision (unanimous)International Fighting ChampionshipApr 29, 201135:00São Paulo, Brazil
Win22–3–1Jackson MoraDecision (split)World Fighting Championship 4 - Filho vs. MoraMar 19, 201135:00Belém, Brazil
Win21–3–1Yuki SasakiDecision (unanimous)Bitetti Combat 8 - 100 Years of CorinthiansDec 4, 201035:00São Paulo, Brazil
Loss20–3–1Marcos Rogerio de LimaDecision (unanimous)First Class Fight 5Oct 23, 201035:00São Paulo, Brazil
Draw20–2–1Denis KangDraw (split)Impact FC 2 - The Uprising: SydneyJul 18, 201035:00Sydney, Australia
Win20–2–0Daniel VillegasTKO (punches)Memorial Fight QualifyingJun 4, 20101N/ACuiabá, Brazil
Win19–2–0Tatsuhiko NishizakaSubmission (kimura)Bitetti Combat 5Dec 12, 200913:00São Paulo, Brazil
Win18–2–0Alex SchoenauerDecision (unanimous)Bitetti Combat 4Sep 12, 200935:00Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win17–2–0Melvin ManhoefSubmission (armbar)Dream 10 - Welterweight Grand Prix 2009 FinalJul 20, 200912:36Saitama, Japan
Loss16–2–0Chael SonnenDecision (unanimous)WEC 36 - Faber vs. BrownNov 5, 200835:00Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win16–1–0Chael SonnenSubmission (armbar)WEC 31 - Faber vs. CurranDec 12, 200724:55Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win15–1–0Joe DoerksenTKO (punches)WEC 29 - Las VegasAug 5, 200714:07Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win14–1–0Kazuo MisakiSubmission (armbar)Pride - Bushido 13Nov 5, 200619:43Yokohama, Japan
Win13–1–0Ryo ChonanSubmission (armbar)Pride - Bushido 12Aug 26, 200612:31Nagoya, Japan
Win12–1–0Gregory BouchelaghemDecision (unanimous)Pride - Bushido 11Jun 4, 200625:00Saitama, Japan
Win11–1–0Murilo RuaDecision (unanimous)Pride - Bushido 10Apr 2, 200625:00Tokyo, Japan
Win10–1–0Ryuta SakuraiSubmission (armbar)Pride - Bushido 9Sep 25, 200513:49Tokyo, Japan
Win9–1–0Amar SuloevSubmission (armbar)Pride - Bushido 6Apr 3, 200514:22Nagoya, Japan
Win8–1–0Akira ShojiDecision (split)Pride - Bushido 4Jul 19, 200425:00Nagoya, Japan
Win7–1–0Daijiro MatsuiDecision (unanimous)Gladiator FC - Day 2Jun 27, 200435:00Tokyo, Japan
Win6–1–0Silmar RodrigoDecision (unanimous)Bitetti Combat Nordeste 3Apr 1, 200435:00Fortaleza, Brazil
Win5–1–0Akira ShojiSubmission (armbar)Pride 22 - Beasts From the East 2Sep 29, 200212:48Yokohama, Japan
Win4–1–0Yuki KondoDecision (unanimous)Deep - 2nd ImpactAug 18, 200135:00Tokyo, Japan
Win3–1–0Ikuhisa MinowaDecision (unanimous)Pancrase - Proof 2Mar 31, 200135:00Tokyo, Japan
Win2–1–0Keiichiro YamamiyaKO (punch)Deep - 1st ImpactJan 8, 200120:29Nagoya, Japan
Win1–1–0Luiz Claudio das DoresTKO (punches)Heroes - Heroes 1Jul 24, 20002N/ATokyo, Japan
Filho secured 5 of his victories by knockout or technical knockout, 9 by submission, and 10 by decision, while all 6 of his losses were via decision. He enjoyed a notable unbeaten streak of 16 consecutive wins from his debut in July 2000 through December 2007, spanning over seven years, before suffering his first loss to Chael Sonnen in November 2008.

Submission grappling record

Paulo Filho's individual no-gi submission grappling match record, as tracked by major platforms, stands at 4 wins, 8 losses, and 0 draws as of November 2025. He also achieved key no-gi tournament success, including winning the 2005 ADCC Brazilian Trials (77-87 kg division), though he did not participate in the main ADCC 2005 event due to MMA scheduling conflicts. Filho's no-gi style emphasized aggressive top control and arm attacks. In 2025, competing in the Masters 35+ advanced division across ADCC Opens, he showed continued activity. The following table summarizes select key no-gi bouts from major submission events, focusing on individual match outcomes. Gi-based achievements are covered in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu section.
ResultOpponentMethodEventDateNotes/Source
WinADCC Brazilian Trials (77-87 kg)1st Place/Champion2005Multiple submission wins en route to title.
LossRafael DallinhaArmbarFight 2 Win 117 (180 lbs no-gi super fight)June 29, 2019
WinJ. RomeroDQADCC Santiago Open (100 kg)June 7, 2025
LossMatheus FontesN/AIBJJF Open No-Gi (Masters 35+?)July 31, 2025Individual match; full result details limited.
LossManoel SantosOther (decision?)ADCC Open (Heavyweight, Masters 35+ Advanced)August 23, 2025
WinGabriel CardozoN/AADCC Brasilia OpenOctober 4, 2025Preliminary match.
LossMarceu PeixotoSubmissionADCC Brasilia Open (Masters 35+ Advanced, quarterfinals)October 4, 2025
These results highlight Filho's elite early no-gi accomplishment and sustained competitiveness in invitational and trials events into 2025.

References

  1. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Paulo-Filho-1535
  2. https://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/paulo-filho
  3. https://www.ocregister.com/2007/12/11/filho-fights-for-honor-2/
  4. https://www.elitesports.com/blogs/news/the-magnificent-paulo-filho-aka-ely
  5. https://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/carlson-gracie-profile
  6. https://www.lowkickmma.com/brazilian-top-team/
  7. https://ibjjf.com/events/results/1997-world-jiu-jitsu-ibjjf-championship
  8. https://ibjjf.com/events/results/1998-world-jiu-jitsu-ibjjf-championship
  9. https://ibjjf.com/events/results/1999-world-jiu-jitsu-ibjjf-championship
  10. https://www.bjjee.com/videos/flashbackthe-grappling-match-that-almost-started-a-riot-paulo-filho-vs-cacareco/
  11. https://adcombat.com/news2005-06-07why-paulo-filho-and-matyushenko-did-not-fight-adcc-2005/
  12. https://fcfighter.com/tough-times-for-filho/
  13. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/fighters/paulo-filho/
  14. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2007/08/report-paulo-filho-says-ufc-wasnt-an-option
  15. https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/history/_/id/2335842/paulo-filho
  16. https://bloodyelbow.com/2008/11/04/paulo-filho-misses-weight/
  17. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2008/11/paulo-filho-weighs-options-after-wecufc-release-espn-deportes-next
  18. https://www.sherdog.com/events/Dream-10-Welterweight-Grand-Prix-2009-Final-10202
  19. https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Official-Apologizes-for-Filhos-Dream-12-Absence-20523
  20. https://bloodyelbow.com/2009/12/09/paulo-thiago-reveals-that
  21. https://www.sherdog.com/events/BC-Bitetti-Combat-4-11045
  22. https://forum.mmajunkie.com/threads/bitetti-combat-thread.22854/page-2
  23. https://www.sherdog.com/events/BC-Bitetti-Combat-8-100-Years-of-Corinthians-15081
  24. https://www.mmafighting.com/2011/10/20/171635/paulo-filho-on-fighting-i-dont-want-this-anymore
  25. https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Filho-Out-JT-Money-In-Against-Khalidov-for-KSW-17-Main-Event-37406
  26. https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Filho-Refutes-Addiction-Claim-Plans-Retirement-Pending-KSW-Bout-36577
  27. https://www.mmafighting.com/2013/3/23/4140652/wsof-2-results-david-branch-batters-paulo-filho-for-unanimous
  28. https://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/20/4130244/wsof-2-paulo-filho-circus-panic-attack-brazil-delays-atlantic-city-arrival-david-branch-mma
  29. https://bloodyelbow.com/2013/04/08/wsof-cut-paulo-filho-didnt-know-manager-mma-news/
  30. https://www.mmafighting.com/2013/8/5/4590962/paulo-filho-rodney-wallace-fight-to-a-draw-in-brazil
  31. https://www.bjjee.com/featured/paulo-filho-is-back-healthy-will-fight-at-welterweight/
  32. https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/2/10/5389402/brazil-results-roundup-paulo-filho-loses-at-biletti-thiago-meller
  33. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/607945-wawan-mma-fight-night-paulo-ely-filho-vs-mohamed-the-tank-ashraf
  34. https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/11/3/7150967/former-wec-champ-paulo-filho-to-undergo-second-leg-surgery-after
  35. http://psicoticosporvaletudo.com.br/2014/10/29/paulao-filho-lenda-do-pride-e-baleado-em-festa-no-rio/
  36. https://www.superlutas.com.br/noticias/26647/paulao-relembra-confusao-em-que-foi-baleado-e-diz-que-por-pouco-nao-morreu/
  37. https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/4/1/15142138/after-a-tumultuous-decade-paulo-filho-has-finally-exorcised-his-demons
  38. https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/9/19/16337314/mma-paulo-filho-suffers-car-accident-undergo-surgery
  39. https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Pride-WEC-Veteran-Paulo-Filho-Suffers-Multiple-Fractures-from-Car-Accident-in-Brazil-127075
  40. https://middleeasy.com/mma-news/fight-video-paulo-filho-yes-that-paulo-filho-wins-first-fight-in-six-years-without-throwing-a-punch/
  41. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/paulo-filho-ely
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiG-TKGNVJk
  43. https://www.flograppling.com/people/6809949-paulo-filho
  44. https://adcc.smoothcomp.com/es/profile/1411456
  45. https://digitsu.com/people/paulo-filho
  46. https://www.flograppling.com/video/6525045-paulo-filho-vs-rafael-dallinha-fight-2-win-117
  47. https://www.flograppling.com/video/14597726-paulo-filho-vs-gabriel-cardozo-2025-adcc-brasilia-open
  48. https://www.flograppling.com/video/14598905-paulo-filho-vs-marceu-peixoto-2025-adcc-brasilia-open
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