Tallison Teixeira did not have to look far and wide for life-changing inspiration. In fact, he found it close to home in an older brother who pushed him to make something of himself.
“He awarded me my jiu-jitsu black belt,” Teixeira told Sherdog.com. “He taught me to defend myself since I was short and chubby [at the time]. The more I competed, the more I liked it.” Natural progression ensued. “Lino Barros, my boxing coach now, saw me compete,” Teixeira said. “He felt I had talent and could migrate to MMA.”
Now 25 and standing 6-foot-7, Teixeira has established himself as a top heavyweight prospect.