Rousimar Palhares
Rousimar Palhares | “Toquinho”
Ht: 5’8 – Wt: 185 – Age: 32
Born: Minas Gerais, Brazil
Fights out of: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Team: Brazilian Top Team
Overall Record: 14-4
UFC Record: 7-3
Background:
Rousimar Palhares is a rising contender in the UFC middleweight division due to his limb-breaking submission ability. Palhares’ impoverished background in Brazil has been well-chronicled by media sources in recent years. Palhares eventually found his way to Brazilian Top Team where they molded his hard work and raw strength into an immensely powerful submission machine. Palhares made his mixed martial arts debut in 2006, quickly running up a 7-1 record on the independent Brazilian circuit, highlighted by victories over Daniel Acacio and Fabio Nascimento. Palhares signed with the UFC in 2008, impressively winning his debut over veteran Ivan Salaverry via 1st round submission. Palhares requested a stiffer opponent in his next fight and surely got it, as he squared off against Dan Henderson. Palhares hunted for leg locks throughout the fight, but was unable to get Henderson down to the floor, eventually losing via unanimous decision. Palhares bounced back with 3 straight wins over Jeremy Horn, Lucio Linhares, and Tomasz Drwal, the latter two wins coming via heel hook. Palhares received another shot to break through into title contention as he faced off against top contender Nate Marquardt. In a bizarre fight, Palhares dropped down for a submission, which Marquardt easily slipped out of. In the middle of the fight, Palhares tried to signal to the referee that he thought Marquardt felt slippery, but the ref did not intervene and Marquardt eventually scored a 1st round TKO. Following the fight, Marquardt was not found to be greasing. Palhares moved on submit Dave Branch before partaking in another bizarre fight, this time against Dan Miller in his native Brazil at UFC 134. Palhares dominated the fight early, eventually rocking Miller with strikes. Palhares thought that the ref had stopped the fight and proceeded to scale the cage in celebration, only for the fight to be restarted a few seconds later. Miller nearly scored the comeback, but Palhares fought his way back to win via decision. Palhares’ recent in-cage antics have led to some uncomfortable situations, especially considering he has been previously suspended for holding onto submissions after his opponents have tapped.
2011 Breakdown:
Palhares fought twice in 2011, winning both fights.
Palhares was initially set to face follow Brazilian and submission ace Alexandre Ferreira at UFC Live 3, but Ferreira withdrew from the fight and was ultimately replaced by Dave Branch. Palhares shot in for the early takedown, but eventually settled into full guard from his back. Branch decided to test the waters on the ground and nearly paid for it as Palhares transitioned to his deadly leg locks. Branch escaped and fired down some punches as the 1st round came to a close. In the 2nd round, Palhares showed no hesitancy, moving straight forward, eventually tying up Branch against the cage. Palhares dropped down to lock on the kneebar, and Branch was quickly forced to tap out.
Palhares was once again scheduled to face Alexandre Ferreira, this time at UFC 134, but Ferreira supposedly came down with an injury. UFC veteran Dan Miller eventually stepped in to replace Ferreira. Palhares was able to wrestle Miller down early, but Miller wisely escaped only to be slammed back down by the strong Brazilian. Miller soon worked his way back up to his feet, but Palhares connected on a head kick that dropped Miller to the floor. Palhares swarmed and presumed the referee had stopped the fight, so he immediately stopped his barrage and climbed the cage in celebration of his victory. The ref had to go explain to Palhares what happened and the fight was quickly restarted. Stunningly, Miller dropped Palhares with a combination, though Palhares quickly recovered and scored a huge takedown in the final seconds of one of the oddest rounds in UFC history. Palhares put forth a more conservative 2nd round as he scored a takedown and proceeded to punish Miller with heavy strikes from the top, nearly forcing the referee stoppage. Palhares looked tired coming into the final frame and likely lost the round as Miller connected with the better punches. Nonetheless, Palhares moved on to score a unanimous decision victory.
2012 Forecast:
Palhares’ strength and submission game make him one of the most dangerous individuals in the UFC. Palhares has shown a stunning lack of awareness though, which nearly cost him his win over Dan Miller and ultimately led to his previous loss against Marquardt. Palhares has also been known to hold onto his submission holds for a few extended seconds, which have injured some of his opponents. Palhares’ management was supposedly looking into resources to help him show better judgment in the cage. Palhares is a fan-favorite despite all of the controversy. He comes from extremely humble beginnings in his native Brazil. Palhares’ quick rise up the middleweight ranks is no fluke as he is fully capable of submitting any fighter in the UFC middleweight division. Palhares’ lack of reach and striking have limited him a bit, but he more than makes up for it with his aggressiveness and raw strength. Palhares should receive a marquee fight in 2012 that will likely lead to him reaching title contention before year’s end. The issue will be getting an opponent that will accept a fight with Palhares as many contenders have supposedly turned down past fights with him.
Rousimar Palhares Fight Record
Overall Record: 13-3
2008-2011 Record: 6-2
2011 Record: 2-0
Win | Dan Miller | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 08/27/2011
Win | David Branch | Sub | Rd 1 | UFC | 03/03/2011
2010 Record: 1-1
Loss | Nate Marquardt | Tko | Rd 1 | UFC | 09/15/2010
Win | Tomasz Drwal | Sub | Rd 1 | UFC | 03/27/2010
2009 Record: 2-0
Win | Lucio Linhares | Sub | Rd 2 | UFC | 12/12/2009
Win | Jeremy Horn | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 01/17/2009
2008 Record: 1-1
Loss | Dan Henderson | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 09/06/2008
Win | Ivan Salaverry | Sub | Rd 1 | UFC | 05/24/2008
