Bellator Signs Brazilian Welterweight Marcus ‘Lelo’ Aurelio, Aug. 24 Debut Expected

A representative of Axe Capoeira in Vancouver, B.C., the 26-year-old Brazilian made his professional debut in 2005, splitting a pair of fights before going on a nearly four-year hiatus from the sport. Since his return in 2009, Aurelio has added five straight victories to his ledger, all by knockout or submission.

Aurelio has competed twice under the banner of Canada’s Battlefield Fight League in 2012, earning knockout victories against Richard Jodoin and Matt Dwyer in a combined 55 seconds.

“I feel that my style of fighting is very dynamic and explosive,” Aurelio said in a release. “I certainly don’t enter the cage to win on points. It’s instinct for me, I’m always looking to finish my opponent. I think it’s exciting for the fans.”

Aurelio joins recently signed former Strikeforce and UFC talent Paul Daley in a 170-pound talent pool that includes reigning Bellator champion Ben Askren and Season 6 tournament finalists Karl Amoussou and Bryan Baker. “Lelo” is expected to make his promotional debut Aug. 24 at Bellator 73, which will take place at Harrah’s Tunica Hotel and Casino in Tunica Resorts, Miss., and features a bantamweight title tilt between Pat Curran and Patricio Freire.

“Marcus is an absolute explosive anomaly in our sport,” said Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney. “If you have never seen him fight, you are missing something totally unique and special. Marcus brings a completely unique style and confidence to the cage that I’ve never seen before. It will be great to see how his explosive capoeira translates in the Bellator cage.”

An opponent has yet to be named for Aurelio’s promotional debut.