Fredson Paixão Melo (born May 13, 1979) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner. He has competed as a featherweight the UFC, WEC, Deep, and Jungle Fight. He is also a world champion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Background

Paixão earned his black belt from Osvaldo Alves in 1998. He has won multiple World Championships as a black belt. He took first place at Mundials in 1998 (as a purple belt); and in 2001, 2002, and 2005 (as a black belt). In addition, he finished second (silver medal) in 2004. In May 2010, Paixão defeated Caol Uno in a submission grappling bout at the UFC Fan Expo held in Las Vegas at UFC 114.

Mixed martial arts career

Paixão made his WEC debut at WEC 40, where he lost a unanimous decision to Wagnney Fabiano. In his next fight, Paixao fought Cole Province at WEC 42, where he originally suffered a split decision loss. The result was later changed to a no contest after Province tested positive for banned substances during a post-fight screening. Paixão was expected to face Bryan Caraway on March 6, 2010, at WEC 47, but Caraway was forced off the card with an injury. Paixão instead faced Courtney Buck and won via first round submission. Paixão eventually fought and defeated Caraway via split decision at WEC 50.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In October 2010, World Extreme Cagefighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC. Paixão has the distinction of being part of the very first featherweight fight in UFC history. His UFC debut was against Pablo Garza at The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck Finale. Paixão was knocked out in the first round by a flying knee from Garza and subsequently released from the promotion.

Personal life

Paixão has a daughter named Emma. He appears in the video game UFC Undisputed 3. In December 2018, it was reported that Paixão had previously assault one of his students in a gathering at a bar. Paixão then cut contact with his student, who pursued him for a civil claim. Another former student alleged further misconduct by Paixão, including drinking while teaching, showing pornography to students, and harassing female students.

Mixed martial arts record