Rousimar Palhares plans to drop to the UFC’s welterweight division. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
After joining Team Nogueira, under Rodrigo and Rogério Nogueira, UFC middleweight Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares has made the decision to move down a weight division.
At five foot eight and about 198 pounds, the fighter is undergoing a series of clinical and physical testing for weight loss. The process consists of diet and nutritional supplementation, along with a team composed of a doctor, pharmacist and nutritionist.
“My desire to get down to the welterweight division is great, but I don’t want to make a hasty decision,” said Palhares in a release sent to GRACIEMAG. “I will only really do it if my body’s response is positive. I’m doing a fully integrated work of nutrition, fitness, supplementation and orthomolecular medicine. I’m with a very good team taking care of me.”
Toquinho (14-5), known for his dangerous leg locks, has fought in UFC since 2008 where he had 11 fights, submitting four by leg lock. In his last fight in the Octagon, Palhares was defeated by Hector Lombard in the first round.
In addition, the athlete from Minas Gerais, Brazil was tested positive during the UFC drug test, and remains suspended until December.