Thiago Michel with his trainer Master Ely. Photo credit: Brazilian Kickboxing Confederation (www.cbkb.com.br)

Twenty-seven-year-old World Kickboxing Champion and WBC Muay Thai Champion Thiago Michel Pereira Silva has been added to Bellator Fighting Championships’ lightweight roster.

A Muay Thai black belt under Ely Perez (136-6), Thiago Michel began his pro MMA career in 2006 and has put together an impressive 8-2 record with all eight wins coming by way of knockout.

Michel’s last MMA fight took place in April at Brazil Fight 4 when he scored a first round TKO over Erick Barbosa (6-4). In June he won a gold medal at the 21st Brazilian Kickboxing Championship (K1 rules) in Vitoria, Espirito Santo.

Although no date or location of Michel’s Bellator debut has been announced, fighting for the U.S.-based promotion will give the Brazil native his first chance to fight in pro MMA competition outside his home country.

He commented:

“I’ve always dreamt of being part of a great promotion like Bellator. Now that I have this opportunity, I need to grab onto it with everything that I have. I am inspired to give a better life to my son and my family. Now I just need to do my job and show my style. I promise that I will always put on good fights for all the fans watching in attendance and LIVE on MTV2.”

Bellator CEO and Chairman Bjorn Rebney shared his thoughts on signing Michel:

“Our stacked lightweight division with Eddie Alvarez, Michael Chandler, Rene Nazare, Patricky Pitbull and many others just got stronger with another tremendously talented fighter in Thiago Michel. I’m very happy to have added Thiago to our organization and his style will fit perfectly in this electrifying division.”

Certain MMA pundits have had Michel on their radar for some time. In Nov. 2010, Bloody Elbow named the Brazilian as the number one prospect for their World MMA Lightweight Scouting Report.

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