Thiago Tavares is a retired Brazilian mixed martial artist who competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) from 2007 to 2016.
This article will teach you about Thiago Tavares’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Thiago Tavares’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thiago Tavares Marques |
| Nickname | “The Pitbull” |
| Born | November 8, 1984 |
| Age | 39 |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
| College | – |
| Religion | – |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1-2 million |
| Salary | Varied per fight |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @thiagotavaresufc |
Early Career
Thiago Tavares began his mixed martial arts journey in his hometown of Florianópolis, Brazil.
He started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at a young age and quickly developed a passion for the sport.
Tavares made his professional MMA debut in 2003 at age 18, competing in regional promotions throughout Brazil.
Professional Career
Tavares made his UFC debut in April 2007 at UFC 71, where he faced Naoyuki Kotani.
Over the next 9 years, Tavares competed in both the lightweight and featherweight divisions, facing some of the toughest fighters in the organization.
Throughout his UFC career, Tavares earned a reputation as a submission specialist, with notable victories over Clay Guida, Spencer Fisher, and Michihiro Omigawa.
Thiago Tavares’s Net Worth Details
Thiago Tavares’s net worth is estimated to be between $1-2 million as of 2025.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Result | Purse ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UFC Fight Night 77 | Clay Guida | Win | 100,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 68 | Brian Ortega | Loss | 30,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 32 | Justin Salas | Win | 70,000 |
| UFC on FX 7 | Khabib Nurmagomedov | Loss | 25,000 |
| UFC 142 | Sam Stout | Win | 56,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 12 | Michihiro Omigawa | Win | 18,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 9 | Naoyuki Kotani | Win | 6,000 |
Endorsements
- MMA gear and equipment brands
- Nutrition and supplement companies
- Sports apparel brands
- Energy drink manufacturers
- Local businesses in their hometown or training location
Fight Records
| Opponent | Result | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khabib Nurmagomedov | Loss | UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping | Jan 19, 2013 |
| Clay Guida | Win | UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs Henderson 3 | Nov 7, 2015 |
| Brian Ortega | Loss | UFC Fight Night: Boetsch vs. Henderson | Jun 6, 2015 |
| Doo Ho Choi | Loss | The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale | Jul 8, 2016 |
| Sam Stout | Win | UFC 142 | Jan 14, 2012 |
| Spencer Fisher | Win | UFC 134 | Aug 27, 2011 |
| Michihiro Omigawa | Win | UFC Fight Night: Swick vs Burkman | Jan 23, 2008 |
| Matt Wiman | Loss | UFC 85 | Jun 7, 2008 |
| Kurt Pellegrino | Loss | UFC 88 | Sep 6, 2008 |
| Manny Gamburyan | Win | UFC 94 | Jan 31, 2009 |
FAQs
1. Who is Thiago Tavares and what is his fighting background?
Thiago Tavares is a Brazilian mixed martial artist born on November 8, 1984, in Florianópolis, Brazil. He began training in judo at age five and Brazilian jiu-jitsu at nine. Tavares debuted professionally in 2003 and became a UFC veteran with 18 fights in the organization, competing in lightweight and featherweight divisions.
2. What is Thiago Tavares’ professional MMA record?
As of his last fight in May 2021, Tavares holds a professional record of 24 wins, 11 losses, and 1 draw. His wins include 4 knockouts, 15 submissions, and 5 decisions, showcasing his grappling-heavy style.
3. Which notable fighters did Thiago Tavares face in the UFC?
Tavares fought top-tier opponents like Khabib Nurmagomedov (loss via KO in 2013), Clay Guida (win via submission in 2015), Brian Ortega (loss via TKO in 2015), and Doo Ho Choi (loss via KO in 2016). He also had memorable battles with Tyson Griffin and Matt Wiman, earning multiple “Fight of the Night” bonuses.
4. Why was Thiago Tavares suspended by the UFC?
In 2013, Tavares tested positive for the banned steroid drostanolone after his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov. He received a nine-month suspension and became the first Brazilian UFC fighter suspended for performance-enhancing drugs.
5. What are Thiago Tavares’ career accomplishments?
- Four UFC “Fight of the Night” awards.
- Two UFC “Performance of the Night” bonuses.
- 2006 It’s Showtime MMA Lightweight Champion.
- 2006 Rumble of Amsterdam Lightweight Grand Prix Champion.
6. How did Thiago Tavares fare in the Professional Fighters League (PFL)?
Tavares joined PFL in 2018 but struggled, finishing the season 1–3. His controversial loss to Robert Watley due to an accidental groin kick led to criticism of Illinois’ MMA rules. He retired afterward but returned in 2020 under Gladiator CF.
7. What is Thiago Tavares’ fighting style?
Tavares is known for his Brazilian jiu-jitsu expertise, with 15 submission victories. His grappling-heavy approach and aggressive ground-and-pound made him a threat, though later fights exposed vulnerabilities to striking.
8. Why did Thiago Tavares retire temporarily?
After his PFL run in 2018, Tavares retired to focus on medical studies at the University Institute of Health Sciences in Argentina. He returned in 2020, balancing fighting with his education.
9. What was Thiago Tavares’ last UFC fight?
His final UFC bout was a knockout loss to Doo Ho Choi in July 2016. The UFC released him afterward, ending a nine-year tenure with the promotion.
10. What is Thiago Tavares doing now?
Tavares continues to compete in regional promotions like Gladiator CF while pursuing a medical degree. His most recent fight was a 2021 loss to Timur Nagibin at RCC 9. These FAQs highlight key aspects of Tavares’ career, including his achievements, setbacks, and post-UFC endeavors, based on verified data from his fight history and public records.
