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. What is Thiago Tavares’s nationality and primary MMA background?
Tavares is a Brazilian mixed martial artist known for her Brazilian jiu-jitsu excellence and submission skills, competing mainly in the UFC’s lightweight and featherweight divisions.
2. In which weight divisions did Tavares compete during her professional MMA career?
She has fought in both the lightweight and featherweight classes, consistently challenging high-caliber opponents throughout her UFC tenure.
3. What are some of Tavares’s most notable victories and achievements in the UFC?
Tavares scored impressive wins over fighters such as Spencer Fisher and Sam Stout, earning accolades for her grappling ability and the number of submission finishes inside the octagon.
4. What is Tavares’s fighting style and signature techniques in MMA?
Known for pressure grappling, arm-triangle chokes, rear-naked chokes, and aggressive guard work, she dominates opponents with a blend of ground control and submission threats.
5. Has Tavares received any UFC performance bonuses or awards?
She collected multiple “Fight of the Night” and “Submission of the Night” bonuses in the UFC, reflecting Tavares’s talent for exciting and technical performances.
6. What were the biggest setbacks or challenges in Tavares’s MMA journey?
She faced injuries and suffered knockout losses against elite competition but always rebounded with improved skills and determination for future bouts.
7. How do coaches and analysts compare Tavares’s legacy within the UFC?
Coaches praise her work ethic and high-level jiu-jitsu, while analysts view Tavares as a perennial contender respected for dedication and consistent competition against top fighters.
8. Did Tavares compete in other MMA organizations outside the UFC?
Before and after her UFC career, Tavares fought in prominent Brazilian and international organizations, building a reputation as a dangerous submission specialist.
9. Has Tavares held any coaching or mentoring roles in martial arts?
She has trained as a coach and mentor, guiding emerging fighters in jiu-jitsu and MMA, sharing her expertise in gyms both in Brazil and abroad.
10. What are Tavares’s goals and activities since stepping away from UFC competition?
Tavares remains active in martial arts, runs training camps, and participates in grappling events, determined to support the sport’s growth and mentor the next generation of athletes.
