Ricardo “Lionheart” Silva: Finishes, Setbacks and a Brazilian MMA Grind
On December 4, 2022, Ricardo “Lionheart” Silva faced Paulo Renato Jr. at Inside Fighters League 10. Renato won by first-round TKO with punches, ending the contest at 4:48. The bout forms part of Silva’s long career on the regional mixed martial arts circuit, where his record includes knockout wins, submissions and demanding assignments against established Brazilian opponents.
A career built across the regional circuit
Born on January 26, 1989, Silva is listed by Sherdog as a light heavyweight. His professional fight history stretches back to 2008 and includes appearances in organizations such as Shooto Brazil, Aspera FC and Face to Face.
His opposition included Maiquel Falcão, Gilberto Galvão, Daniel Sarafian and Leandro Ataides. Those names place Silva’s career within the wider Brazilian MMA scene, where regional cards have regularly brought developing fighters into contact with future international competitors.
Finishing wins on the record
Silva’s victories came through different routes. In July 2009, he submitted Eliel Pintado with an armbar. In June 2013, he finished Leon de Oliveira with an anaconda choke. Later that year, he stopped Sidnei Firmino with a punch and submitted Giovani Paraíba with an arm-triangle choke.
Those results show a fighter whose wins extended beyond stand-up exchanges. His record contains both striking and grappling finishes, alongside decision victories and losses.
Later appearances
Silva returned to recorded competition against Edivan Mineiro Santos at Fight Music Show: Fight Night 3 on April 21, 2024. Santos won by first-round TKO. Silva subsequently earned a first-round submission victory over Leo Lopez at Coliseo Fight Night 4 on December 14, 2024.
Sherdog’s listed career tally is 20 wins and 27 losses. The individual bouts tell a fuller story of a regional competitor whose career spans more than a decade.
Sources
- Sherdog: Ricardo “Lionheart” Silva — profile and fight history
- Clinch: Ricardo Silva — recorded results
- Cageside Press: Paulo Renato Jr.’s road back to the Contender Series
Article Tags
Ricardo Silva, Lionheart, Brazilian MMA, Mixed Martial Arts, Paulo Renato Jr., Inside Fighters League, Fight Music Show
