Карлос Леал

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training for fun while I was in school after my father passed away. At first, fighting was like therapy for me. Then I started to love it, never stopped, and now I’m here at the biggest event in the world.

What professional titles have you held? I have three belts from events in my state, and I was the LFA champion, the only champion to win two fights on the same night.

Any accomplishments in amateur combat sports? I was a state champion in Jiu-Jitsu several times as a white, blue, and purple belt. I was a state champion in boxing. I also won state wrestling championships a few times. I am a Brazilian Muay Thai champion.

Any belts/ranks in grappling disciplines? Brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu.

Any belts/ranks in striking disciplines? Black belt in Muay Thai under Grand Master Fábio Noguchi.

What has been your toughest fight to date and why? My fight in the PFL against Sadibou Sy. He is a very good athlete, but he avoided the fight the whole time, making it hard for me to impose my game. Also, it’s hard to fight against your opponent and the referee at the same time.

Who is your favorite fighter and why? I have many, but my favorite is my coach Rodrigo Cavalheiro because he’s the one I’ve always looked up to and who inspired me as an athlete. At his peak, he was the best fighter in his weight class in Brazil and one of the best in the world.

What was your job before you started fighting? I didn’t have another job. I started training when I was 14 to 15 years old, and when I turned 18, I began fighting professionally, and that’s been my only job.

Origin of nickname: Among all animals, even though he’s not the biggest, strongest, fastest, or smartest, he was born to reign; he is the king. And that’s how I see myself.

Personal Life / Background: I breathe fighting; I spend most of my day at the gym training. My best friends, I made through fighting. On my rest days, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have a great relationship with my family; they’ve supported me since the beginning of my career and became fight fans because of me. I don’t have kids. I really enjoy going to church; it’s one of my favorite places, though I haven’t been in a while. My hobbies are eating and sleeping, ha ha ha.

The reason I pursued my career as an athlete and aim to be the best is due to my experiences with GOD. I had encounters with Jesus Christ that made me discover my true identity and purpose in life through this sport. My faith has become my greatest weapon in battle.