Thiago Michel stated in an interview that when he was a child, he had a life-threatening throat infection and his father who taught him kickboxing starting at the age of 12, couldn't donate blood to his own son because he drank too much. This lead him never to drink again, strengthening their bond as father and son. Michel soon became a world kickboxing champion where he compiled 26 wins and just 2 defeats.
Kickboxing career
Michel was selected to represent Brazil in the 73 kg/160 lb division at the first It's Showtime event held in the country. He went up against Steve Poort, an up-and-coming Dutch fighter, at It's Showtime 60 in São Paulo, Brazil and won by unanimous decision. He competed in the eight man 70 kg/154 lb tournament at Tatneft Cup Brazil in São Paulo on December 8, 2012, losing to Carlos Roberto by unanimous decision in the quarter-finals. He faced Miodrag Olar at SUPERKOMBAT New Heroes 2 on March 23, 2013, in a 76 kg/165 lb bout and won on points after dominating in a display of brute strength and size. He defeated Paul Marfort by unanimous decision on the undercard in New York City, New York, US on November 23, 2013.
Thiago Michel, who trains with world champion kickboxer Ely Perez, was the 2010 WAKO World Cup kickboxing champion at 165 lbs while also having a 7-1 record in MMA competition. He's also held Muay Thai titles and has posted knockouts in all nine of his career MMA wins. Michel made his professional MMA debut on November 18, 2006, and has made a name for himself fighting mainly in his home country of Brazil. Michel won 6 of his first 7 fights before a 28-month break from the sport from 2008 to 2010. Before signing with Bellator, he amassed an impressive record of 9 wins and 2 losses. He was also ranked the number 1 lightweight prospect on Bloody Elbow's 2010 scouting report.
Bellator Fighting Championships
Thiago Michel is currently signed to Bellator Fighting Championships, competing in their lightweight division. Michel made his American debut at on March 23, 2012, where he defeated fellow Brazilian Rene Nazare by split decision. Michel faced Russian prospect Alexander Sarnavskiy in the opening round of the Bellator Lightweight Tournament on January 31, 2013, at. He lost via submission in the second round.
