André Gusmão

André Machado Gusmão (born 19 May, 1977) is a Brazilian former professional mixed martial artist who competed from 2006 to 2011. He competed in the light heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2008 and 2009. Earlier in his career, Gusmão competed for the New York Pitbulls of the International Fight League, where his team won the IFL World Team Championship in 2007.

Background Gusmão was born on 19 May 1977, in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. where he began teaching Capoeira, the first martial art he practiced. He started other classes at Renzo Gracie Academy in January 2007, training with Renzo Gracie, Ricardo Almeida, Eric Owings, and Muay Thai coach Joe Sampieri.

A longtime Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, Gusmão notably faced Fabrício Werdum as a blue belt in the 100 kg division at the 2000 World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship, losing to Werdum in the final. Later, during his professional MMA career and after earning his black belt under Renzo Gracie, he competed at the 2008 Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship, winning a silver medal. He competed again the following year, capturing the gold medal in the super heavyweight division.

Mixed martial arts career Gusmão began his professional career with a first-round knockout of John Swangler on 22 April 2006. After joining the International Fight League later that year, he would go on to defeat Mike Ciesnolevicz and Brent Beauparlant. In June 2007, he defeated Wojtek Kaszowski by second-round knockout. Replacing an injured Jamal Patterson for Renzo Gracie's New York Pitbulls,

Following his success in the IFL, Gusmão signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and was scheduled to make his promotional debut against Tomasz Drwal at UFC 87 on 9 August 2008. Less than two weeks before the event, Drwal withdrew for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by future UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones in his UFC debut. Gusmão lost by unanimous decision.

Gusmão was scheduled to face Antonio Mendes at UFC 93, but the bout was canceled. Gusmão lost the fight by first-round knockout.

Following his stint in the UFC, Gusmão next faced Vagner Curió in a middleweight bout at Ring of Combat 28 on 19 February 2010, defeating him by TKO in the first round. In his final career fight, Gusmão faced Tim Williams at CFFC 7: No Mercy on 16 April 2011. He lost the bout by TKO in the third round.

Personal life Gusmão is a Capoeira instructor and runs a gym in Manhattan.

Championships and accomplishments Mixed martial arts International Fight League 2007 IFL World Team Championship (One time)