9 Questions for Raulian Paiva

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As he prepares to stake his three-fight win streak against Sean O'Malley on the main card of UFC 269 this weekend, bantamweight up-and-comer Raulian Paiva took a moment to talk to Sherdog. The 26-year-old Brazilian discussed his foray at flyweight, training with Team Alpha Male, his upcoming bout with O’Malley, and the personal tragedy that preceded his UFC debut in 2019.

You were undefeated during the first five years of your professional career, except for a single loss in 2015, to Luan Lacerda. What happened?

Paiva: Before I faced Luan, I was undefeated. I was winning that fight, but at the end of the third round, I went easy on him. My goal had been to fight outside my home state of Amapa with an undefeated record. It didn’t happen. But I learned a lot from that. I realized that things wouldn’t always go my way. Nowadays, I’m friends with Luan. We’re in touch. We root for each other. It’s great. We’re both professionals. That loss helped me mature.

You started out in the UFC with two straight losses, but then went on a three-fight winning streak. What changes did you make?

Paiva: I’m about to have my sixth UFC bout. It should have been eight by now, but two of them didn’t happen. Last year I missed a fight [against Amir Albazi] after tearing a knee ligament. And the fight this year [against David Dvorak], I missed it because I was feeling sick. I haven’t changed too many things since then. My two losses in the UFC they were… complicated. I had my debut against a ranked fighter (Kai Kara France) in his home country. I lost by a controversial split decision. The next fight was against Rogerio Bontorin. I was doing well, but due to a cut, the doctor didn’t let it continue. I didn’t feel extra stress after those losses. Just the opposite – they just increased my motivation in training. I’m always looking to correct my errors and to evolve. Now, I’m able to show my talent with each fight. My moment will soon arrive. In December, I’m looking forward to extending my winning streak to four. And I’m also happy to be back to my original weight class, since I used to suffer to make it to flyweight. The only things I can say have changed are my mindsight and more frequent training. I’m increasingly more motivated and focused.

Why exactly was your fight against David Dvorak canceled?

Paiva: People who follow me know that I’m big for a 125 pounder. It was very difficult for me – I had to lose a lot of weight. Up to the time I fought in Dana White's Contender Series, I would frequently pass out when cutting weight. Before facing Dvorak, my body couldn’t take the stress. I had been dieting correctly, but I passed out when cutting the last few pounds. In the hospital, I had to be rehydrated. I woke up with devices attached to my chest. I realized that I should never try to cut that much weight in the future.

Against Kyler Phillips, you scored a Fight of the Night bonus. How did you feel about that?

Paiva: I’m happy be to back at bantamweight. I have a good height and reach for the weight class. I still cut a good amount of weight, but I’m feeling pretty well. I feel very healthy and strong as a bantamweight. The fight against Kyler Phillips was insane. I was able to show my full potential, as did Kyler. We put on a show. We both fought with courage. In the end, the fighter with the biggest heart won. Thankfully, I debuted in the weight class on a win over a very tough opponent.

What can you say about your next opponent, Sean O'Malley?

Paiva: He’s a good, talented young fighter. He deserves some of the hype. But I feel Kyler Phillips is more compete, and more dangerous. I beat Phillips. I wouldn’t underestimate O'Malley but I feel it will be an easier fight. Of course, we will be applying pressure at all times – from the first to the third round. And whoever pressures more will win. O'Malley was undefeated for a while, but only when he was fighting unranked fighters. Once he was booked against a good opponent, Marlon Vera, he lost. I don’t feel I’m in danger. I believe in myself. I believe I have more weapons with which to win our clash.

How was your training at Team Alpha Male?

Paiva: I started my fight camp at the Ronildo Nobre and Wanderson Panda academies, in the Brazilian state of Amapa. And finished up in Sacramento (Calif.). Coaches like Urijah Faber and Fabio "Pateta" Prado are working closely with me, helping me correct my mistakes and further evolve. I have no doubt that I’ll be surprising a lot of people in this next fight.

Right before your UFC debut, your girlfriend Tieli Alves was killed when you both were assaulted by a couple of men in a car. How has that affected you? Do you know if the accused have already been sentenced?

Paiva: It was a challenging episode in my life. I returned to fighting due to motivation from my girlfriend’s family, as well as my own. She used to fully support my fight career. Today, everything is going well. I’ve gotten married since. But I still maintain a good relationship with Tieli’s family. That unfortunate event taught me to never give up and to always believe in myself. As far as the two men who tried to kill me, they’re outlaws. I don’t think about them. I merely concentrate on my career and on supporting my family.

What are your plans for the future?

Paiva: After another win, I believe the UFC should give me someone ranked near the top 10. But I work for the UFC, so I’ll face whoever they put me against, ranked or not. My goal is to keep on winning, with the intent of one day reaching the belt.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Paiva: I’m not one to talk up a big game on social media. I see every fight of mine as a new career goal. I’m highly focused and motivated when I step into the cage. After I beat O'Malley, people will know the name Raulian Paiva.