Jorge Patino

Jorge Luis Patino (born May 8, 1973) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division. A professional competitor since 1995, Patino has formerly competed for PRIDE, Strikeforce, Legacy FC, Jungle Fight, Pancrase, World Series of Fighting and the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background

Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Patino played rugby and also trained in judo before being introduced to Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 1992, later earning his black belt in 1998. Energetic and hyperactive as a child, Patino earned the nickname Macaco (meaning monkey in Portuguese) because of his love for climbing trees.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Patino started to compete in vale tudo fights in the year 1995, defeating three opponents in the Circuito de Lutas 1 independent event. Macaco went on a winning track, defeating many opponents, until he was knocked out by João Bosco in Torneio dos Gladiadores 2, his second opponent in the night. Afterwards, Jorge went on to fight in the BVF 6: Campeonato Brasileiro de Vale Tudo 1 event, where he defeated Anderson Lima by knockout, Erico Correia by submissions due to strikes, and then faced José Landi-Jons, also known as Pelé, in a historic battle. After nearly 15 minutes of fighting, Pelé defeated Macaco, making him submit to strikes. The two then had a rematch, which was again won by Landi-Jons.