Photo: Keith Mills (Sherdog)
Douglas Lima has been a model of consistency and professionalism since he joined the Bellator MMA roster a little less than eight years ago.
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The affable Brazilian will confront the undefeated Michael Page in the Bellator 221 co-headliner on Saturday at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, where they are scheduled to do battle in the promotion’s welterweight grand prix semifinals. Lima, 31, has rattled off nine wins across his last 11 appearances, cementing himself as one of Bellator’s top competitors at 170 pounds. He last fought at Bellator 206 in September, when he separated Andrey Koreshkov from his senses with a fifth-round rear-naked choke and took a 2-1 lead in his head-to-head series with the Russian.
As Lima approaches his anticipated clash with Page, here are five things you should know about him:
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Douglas Lima Slideshow
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1. He has established residence in the Bellator record book.
Lima ranks first on Bellator’s all-time list in knockouts (eight) and seventh in wins (12). Only Michael Chandler (16), Patricio Freire (16), Patricky Freire (14), David Rickels (14), Pat Curran (13) and A.J. McKee (13) have more victories under the promotion’s banner.
Photo: Johnny Nunez/DAZN (Getty Images)
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2. Only serious challengers need apply.
The three men who have defeated Lima inside the Bellator cage—Koreshkov, Rory MacDonald and Ben Askren—have a cumulative record of 61-8-1.
Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea (Getty Images)
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3. He has yet to go home again.
Born in Goiania, Brazil, on Jan. 5, 1988, Lima has never fought professionally in his homeland. In fact, he has only competed in four countries as a mixed martial artist: Canada, England, Israel and the United States.
Photo: Dave Mandel (Sherdog)
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4. His striking skills draw the headlines, but he has other weapons at his disposal.
Lima trains out of an American Top Team affiliate in Atlanta and holds the rank of black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Roan Carneiro. He has 10 submission wins to his credit, including three by rear-naked choke, two by triangle armbar, two by armbar and two by triangle choke. Lima also prompted a verbal submission from Steve Linton at an International Sport Combat Federation event in 2006.
Photo: Keith Mills (Sherdog)
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5. He walks in exclusive company.
Lima remains one of only five fighters who have held the undisputed Bellator welterweight championship, with Koreshkov, MacDonald, Askren and Lyman Good being the others. His two title reigns at 170 pounds have encompassed 892 days.
Photo: Johnny Nunez / Contributor (Getty Images)
