Mendes was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He started training Brazilian jiu jitsu in 1997 in Kioto gym in Tijuca when he was introduced by his brother, Bruno Tank who was a BJJ protectionist. He trained under Alvaro and Krauss Monsor who was the student of 9th degree black belt master Francisco Mansor. At fourteen, training three times a day, he competed four months later, winning a bronze medal in the Rio State Championships and in the same year he took home the silver medal in the Brazilian Championship. He started teaching BJJ two years later and continue to win many regional, international and world medals, notably IBJJF World 70kg champion in 2013, IBJJF World No-Gi 73.5kg champion in 2012 and 2015 and UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro Champion (in 2011 and 2013. Medes and his brother Bruno Mendes open their BJJ gym, Renovacao BJJ, in 2005 and started transitioned to MMA training. Two years later, together with Rafael Barbosa, Leandro Escobar and his brother Bruno Mendes they founded Soul Fighters gym in 2008.
Mendes started his professional mixed martial arts career on April 2014 after one just win in amateur fight. He went to secure a 5 fight winning streak and was signed by UFC one year later in 2015.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Mendes made his debut with 5 day short notice, replacing injured John Lineker, at UFC on February 21, 2016 at against Cody Garbrandt. he was knocked out and lost the fight in round one. Mendes's second fight in UFC was set one year later on January 15, 2017, after an ACL surgery, at against Frankie Saenz. He won the fight via split decision with the scoreboard of. This win earned him Fight of the Night award. On April 15, 2017, Mendes face Aljamain Sterling at. After three rounds fight, he lost the fight via unanimous decision. Mendes was expected to face Boston Salmon on October 28, 2017 at. However, Mendes pulled out of the fight on October 3, citing leg injury. He was replaced a week later by promotional newcomer Raoni Barcelos. Mendes was expected to face Merab Dvalishvili on April 21, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 128. However, he was pulled from the fight after he was notified of a potential USADA violation. On June 8, 2018, it was reported that Mendes who had one fight with UFC, has granted released after USADA suspension, and joined Absolute Championship Berkut.
Jiu Jitsu career
Mendes competed in Abosolute Championship Berkut 6: Jiu Jitsu no-gi grand prix tournament on July 16, 2017 in Moscow.Competitors in the division included Paulo Miyao, Leo Vieira, Isaque Paiva, Osvaldo Moizinho, Kim Terra, Gabriel Marangoni and Rafael Mansur. He defeated Rafael Mansur on quarterfinal and lost to Paulo Miyao in the semi final. Mendes competed in Abosolute Championship Berkut 9: Jiu Jitsu no-gi 60kg Grand Prix tournament on December 9, 2017 in Moscow. He won the tournament after submitted Milton Bastos via a kimura under twenty seconds in the quarterfinal round and he proceeded to semifinal round where he won the fight against Joao Miyao, a world champion. He took on Samir Chantre at the final and won via a guillotine in the fifth round.
Personal life
Mendes's moniker "Tanquinho" means "Little Tank" in Portuguese which was coined after his older brother, Bruno Mendes' moniker "Tank". Prior relocating to United States, Mendes taught BJJ at Tijuca Tenis Club as the head instructor. Mendes is a certified referee by Confederação Brasileira de Jiu-Jitsu. Mendes earned a degree in physical education at the University Estacio de Sá Mendes has opened and operates a called the AT Academy.
