Thiago Michel stated in an interview that when he was a child, he had a life-threatening throat infection and his father who taught him kickboxing starting at the age of 12, couldn't donate blood to his own son because he drank too much. This lead him never to drink again, strengthening their bond as father and son. Michel soon became a world kickboxing champion where he compiled 26 wins and just 2 defeats.
He competed in the eight man 70 kg/154 lb tournament at Tatneft Cup Brazil in São Paulo on December 8, 2012, losing to Carlos Roberto by unanimous decision in the quarter-finals.[4][5]
He faced Miodrag Olar at SUPERKOMBAT New Heroes 2 on March 23, 2013, in a 76 kg/165 lb bout and won on points after dominating in a display of brute strength and size.[6][7]
Thiago Michel, who trains with world champion kickboxer Ely Perez, was the 2010 WAKO World Cupkickboxing champion at 165 lbs (75 kg) while also having a 7–1 record in MMA competition.[11] He's also held Muay Thai titles and has posted knockouts in all nine of his career MMA wins.[12]
Michel made his professional MMA debut on November 18, 2006, and has made a name for himself fighting mainly in his home country of Brazil. Michel won 6 of his first 7 fights before a 28-month break from the sport from 2008 to 2010. Before signing with Bellator, he amassed an impressive record of 9 wins and 2 losses. He was also ranked the number 1 lightweight prospect on Bloody Elbow's 2010 scouting report.[11]
Michel faced Russian prospect Alexander Sarnavskiy in the opening round of the Bellator Lightweight Tournament on January 31, 2013, at Bellator 87.[13] He lost via submission in the second round.
Kickboxing titles
2014 WGP Kickboxing Champion -78 kg (1 Title Def.)[14]
WAKO Pro Pan American K-1 Rules Middleweight Championship -75.0 kg
