Issa made his professional MMA debut in October 2006 submitting Eduardo Felipe in the second round. He was handed the first loss of his MMA career in May 2007 when he was stopped in the third round by Japanese fighter Takafumi Otsuka. In total Issa fought five times in Brazil during this period, winning three fights and losing two.
War Gods
Issa's first fight outside of Brazil was at War Gods in California. He defeated Ralph Lopez by rear naked choke in the opening round.
Issa moved to Singapore to join the Evolve MMA fight team in January 2009. His first fight in Asia was for the Art of War promotion in China. He submitted Korean fighter Yeong Gwang Choi with a triangle choke in the first round.
Martial Combat
In 2010 Issa signed with Martial Combat and he fought three times for this promotion, winning every single fight by way of first round submission. His win over Gui Quan Lin at Martial Combat 11 was his fifth consecutive first round submission win and he has finished all five fights with a different submission. In 2011 Issa decided he would drop down to the bantamweight division.
ONE Fighting Championship
On July 15, 2011 it was announced that Issa had signed with One Fighting Championship. On July 18 it was announced that Issa would be facing unbeaten Korean Soo Chul Kim at at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on September 3. This fight was Issa's first as a bantamweight. Although Soo Chul Kil had a record of 4-1, Issa has been described as the toughest opponent he has ever faced. Issa won the fight via unanimous decision. Issa's next fight was against Japanese veteran Masakazu Imanari at in Kuala Lumpur in June 2012. He won by unanimous decision.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
In November 2013, it was announced that Issa had signed a contract with the UFC. His debut took place on January 4, 2014 at against Russell Doane. He lost the fight via technical submission in the second round. Issa next fought Jumabieke Tuerxun at The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale on July 6, 2014. He won the fight via submission due to an armbar in the third round. His efforts earned him his first Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses. Issa fought Ulka Sasaki on December 20, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 58. He won the fight in the second round via submission. Issa next faced Iuri Alcântara on August 1, 2015 at UFC 190. He lost the fight by unanimous decision. Issa next faced Taylor Lapilus on September 3, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 93. He lost the fight by unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the promotion.
