Camões was born December 23, 1978, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. According to Jorge Britto, when Camões was 18 years old, he lasted 27 minutes in a bout with former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, who was 22.[5]
His Portuguese nickname Morango, which translates into Strawberry, originated from Camões's love for a local Strawberry flavored yogurt drink while Camões was a young child living in Brazil.
When he was 16, Camões constantly witnessed the late Hélio Gracie still practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in his 90s.
Camões signed a four-fight contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship and made his UFC debut at UFC 106 against veteran Caol Uno, with the fight ending in a draw after a point was deducted in the 2nd round against Camões for an illegal upkick.
In his next UFC bout on March 27, 2010, at UFC 111 Camões fought Kurt Pellegrino. A fight that saw both Camões and Pellegrino grappling back and forth, ultimately a visibly exhausted Camões succumbed to a rear naked choke late in the second round.[6] Following the loss to Pellegrino, Camões was released from the UFC with a record of 0–1–1.
Post-UFC career
Following his release from the UFC, Camões signed with Tachi Palace Fights. He fought fellow UFC veteran Steve Lopez on February 18, 2011, and won via devastating head kick KO in the first round.
After winning his last two fights since being released from the UFC, Camões was expected to face Reza Madadi on January 20, 2012, at UFC on FX 1, replacing an injured Rafaello Oliveira.[8] However, Madadi himself would later withdraw from the bout due to injury as well and was replaced by promotional newcomer Tommy Hayden.[9] Camões won the fight via submission in the first round.
Camões faced Jim Miller on December 28, 2013, at UFC 168.[11] He lost the fight via submission in the first round.[12]
Camões was expected to face Gray Maynard on August 2, 2014, at UFC 176.[13] However, after the event was cancelled, the bout was rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 47 on August 16, 2014.[14] In turn, Maynard filled in as an injury replacement for another bout on the card and Camões was pulled from the event entirely.[15]
Camões was expected to face Josh Shockley on October 25, 2014, at UFC 179.[16] However, Shockley pulled out of the bout citing injury and was replaced by Anthony Rocco Martin.[17] Both Camões and Martin missed weight for the bout, but neither were issued a fine.[18] Camões lost the fight via submission in the first round, and was subsequently released from the promotion for the second time in his career.
