Pezao works on top in Filho's half guard. (Pic from Tatame.com)

Former PRIDE standout and WEC middleweight champion Paulo Filho (20-2-1) lost for only the second time in his professional mixed martial arts career over the weekend, losing a unanimous decision to undefeated prospect Marcos Rogerio “Pezao” de Lima (9-0).

At one time Filho was considered one of the best in the world at 185, but rumored personal problems outside the cage and a lackluster showing in a 2008 rematch with Chael Sonnen — where he came in several pounds overweight — forced him back to the drawing board. After defeating Melvin Manhoef at DREAM 10, Filho went back to the Brazilian MMA circuit and put together a three fight wining streak before picking up a draw against PRIDE and UFC vet Denis Kang at Impact FC 2 in Australia.

At First Class Fight 5 on Oct. 23 in Sao Paulo, Pezao outpointed Filho over three rounds. According to Tatame.com, Pezao nullified Filho’s takedowns and ground-and-pound attack, and after the win he called for a shot in the UFC.

“I proved what I’m capable of tonight. I beat a famous guy, a really tough guy, and I want to fly higher now. I want to be on UFC.”

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