Philipe Lins: The Powerful Brazilian Heavyweight and Former PFL Champion
Philipe "Monstro" Lins, born on August 17, 1985 in Natal, Brazil, is a powerful mixed martial artist (MMA) who currently competes in the UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions. Lins is best known for his strong striking, solid grappling skills and his impressive performances in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he won the heavyweight title in 2018. A versatile fighter with experience at the highest levels, Lins remains a formidable opponent in the UFC.
Early Life and Career
Philipe Lins began his martial arts career in Brazil, where he specialized in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. His extensive training in various disciplines made him a well-rounded fighter and allowed him to effectively combine his skills in MMA. Lins made his professional debut in 2005 and fought in various promotions in Brazil before making his way to the international scene.
Lins made his name in Bellator MMA, where he fought in the light heavyweight division and impressed with his strong grappling and powerful striking. After several successful fights in Bellator, he decided to continue his career in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he would achieve his greatest successes.
PFL Champion and Success
In 2018, Philipe Lins competed in the PFL Heavyweight Tournament. During the tournament, Lins impressed with dominant victories, including knockout and submission wins over strong competitors. He eventually won the heavyweight title by defeating Josh Copeland via TKO in the fourth round of the finals, earning a check for one million dollars.
His exploits in the PFL made Lins one of the most talked about heavyweights outside of the UFC, and in 2020 he signed with the world's largest MMA organization.
UFC Career
Philipe Lins made his UFC debut in May 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Teixeira , where he fought former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski. Although he lost that fight via unanimous decision, Lins remained motivated to find his way in the competitive UFC heavyweight division.
Following his debut, Lins also suffered a knockout loss to Tanner Boser in June 2020. Despite these setbacks in the UFC, Lins remains focused on improving and has recently moved up to the light heavyweight division, where he is looking for a fresh start and better results.
In April 2023, Lins recorded an impressive win over Maxim Grishin at UFC on ESPN 44 , where he once again showcased the strength of his striking and grappling, underlining his potential as a serious challenger in the light heavyweight division.
Style and Technique
Philipe Lins is known for his powerful striking and versatile fighting style. His Muay Thai background gives him powerful kicks and punches, which he uses to pressure his opponents and create opening opportunities for knockouts. Lins is also adept at clinch fighting, where he uses his knees and elbows effectively to inflict damage.
In addition to his striking, Lins has a solid ground game, thanks in part to his training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is comfortable performing takedowns and has the skills to dominate his opponents on the ground with control and submissions.
Future Ambitions
Philipe Lins is determined to revive his career in the UFC, especially after his recent move up to light heavyweight. With his experience, strong work ethic, and impressive skills, Lins remains focused on his goal of breaking through to the top of the division. His previous success in the PFL shows that he has the skills to compete at the highest level, and he continues to work towards achieving his ambitions in the UFC.
Conclusion
Philipe Lins is a versatile and powerful fighter in the UFC, with an impressive record as a former PFL heavyweight champion. While he has faced some challenges since making the move to the UFC, he remains a dangerous competitor at both the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions. With his strong striking, solid grappling, and determination to succeed, Lins remains a fighter to watch in the future of the UFC.