Leandro Higo Bio
Leandro Higo (born January 19, 1989) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who competes in the Bantamweight division of Bellator MMA. A professional competitor since 2006, he has also competed for Resurrection Fighting Alliance and Legacy Fighting Alliance. Nicknamed “Alter,” Higo is widely recognized for his well-rounded skill set and high-level Brazilian jiu-jitsu, holding a black belt in the discipline. He currently trains out of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, with the Pitbull Brothers and Fight Ready camps.
Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall with a 72-inch reach, Higo has built a long and durable career across major promotions. He remains an active competitor on the international stage, transitioning into the Professional Fighters League in 2025 for a bantamweight tournament run.
Early Life and Background
Leandro Higo was born on January 19, 1989, in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, where he continues to live and train. The northeastern Brazilian state, known for producing tough and technical martial artists, became the backdrop for his early development in combat sports. Growing up in this region, Higo was introduced to martial arts at a young age and gravitated toward Brazilian jiu-jitsu, eventually earning a black belt in the discipline.
His deep grounding in jiu-jitsu shaped his fighting style and gave him a clear pathway into professional mixed martial arts. The training culture of Rio Grande do Norte, combined with access to established fight teams, helped him prepare for a career inside the cage. By the time he turned professional in 2006, Higo had already developed a strong grappling base that would define much of his later success.
Path to MMA
Higo began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2006, taking fights on regional circuits in Brazil. He spent several years building experience and sharpening his skills against a wide range of opponents, gradually working his way up the bantamweight ranks. His dedication to the sport paid off as he started earning recognition through regional championships and impressive winning streaks.
In 2015, Higo made his debut in the Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA), a prominent North American promotion. He defeated Terrion Ware, Melvin Blumer, and Joey Miolla to capture the RFA Bantamweight Championship. Shortly after, he competed in the inaugural Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) event, where he defeated Steven Peterson to win the inaugural LFA Bantamweight Championship. These accomplishments positioned him as a top international bantamweight contender and opened the door to the biggest stages in the sport.
Leandro Higo Career
Early Career (2006–2014)
During his early professional years, Leandro Higo focused primarily on regional Brazilian shows, where he developed a reputation as a skilled grappler and a composed finisher. He accumulated dozens of fights on smaller cards, learning to manage long training camps and varied opponent styles. These formative years laid the foundation for his later transition to major promotions.
By the mid-2010s, Higo had built a record strong enough to attract the attention of international organizations. His blend of high-level jiu-jitsu, growing striking game, and mental toughness made him an appealing signing for promotions seeking established talent outside the UFC.
Resurrection Fighting Alliance (2015)
Higo made his Resurrection Fighting Alliance debut on August 21, 2015, against Terrion Ware at RFA 29. He won by rear-naked choke at the end of the third round. Following a first-round victory over Melvin Blumer at RFA 32, he captured the RFA Bantamweight title with a first-round rear-naked choke of Joey Miolla at RFA 37.
The three-fight run inside RFA cemented Higo’s status as a championship-level bantamweight in North America. His ability to finish high-caliber opponents with grappling cemented his identity as a top submission threat at 135 pounds.
Legacy Fighting Alliance (2017)
Higo competed in the inaugural Legacy Fighting Alliance card, LFA 1: Peterson vs. Higo. He defeated Steven Peterson via unanimous decision to win the inaugural LFA Bantamweight Championship. The victory added another major regional title to his résumé and further boosted his profile heading into the global scene.
The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4
Higo competed in the bantamweight division of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4. He defeated Maycon Silvan in the elimination round via first-round arm-triangle choke but was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Bruno Rodrigues Mesquita via first-round rear-naked choke. After Giovanni Santos withdrew due to infection, Higo accepted a replacement bout against Matheus Mattos, but a worsening rib injury forced him out of the tournament.
Bellator MMA (2017–2024)
Higo made his Bellator debut as a late replacement for Darrion Caldwell against bantamweight titlist Eduardo Dantas in a non-title bout at Bellator 177, losing via split decision. He rebounded with a unanimous decision win over Joe Taimanglo at Bellator 184 in October 2017. On March 2, 2018, at Bellator 195, Higo earned a shot at the Bellator Bantamweight Championship against Darrion Caldwell, losing via first-round guillotine choke.
In September 2018, Higo moved up to featherweight to face Aaron Pico at Bellator 206, losing via first-round technical knockout. Returning to bantamweight, he defeated Shawn Bunch via second-round submission at Bellator 228 in September 2019, then signed a new exclusive multi-fight contract with Bellator. He went on to defeat Dominic Mazzotta and Ricky Bandejas, the latter via second-round submission at Bellator 249 in October 2020. In May 2021 at Bellator 259, he earned a split decision win over Darrion Caldwell in a catchweight bout. He lost a unanimous decision to Danny Sabatello in the quarterfinals of the Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix at Bellator 282 in June 2022.
In 2023, Higo defeated Nikita Mikhailov via second-round guillotine choke at Bellator 298. On March 22, 2024, he stepped in on short notice to face James Gallagher at Bellator Champions Series 1, earning a unanimous decision victory. A scheduled November 2024 title challenge against Patchy Mix at Bellator Champions Series 6 was later cancelled for unspecified reasons.
Professional Fighters League (2025–Present)
On February 21, 2025, the Professional Fighters League officially revealed that Higo had joined the 2025 PFL Bantamweight Tournament. In the quarterfinals at PFL 2 on April 11, 2025, he faced Marcirley Alves after Magomedov and Rettinghouse withdrew, losing via split decision. The bout with Magomedov was rescheduled for May 2, 2026, at PFL Sioux Falls, where Higo won via split decision after Magomedov missed weight.
Style and Strengths
Leandro Higo is best known for his elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu, anchored by a black belt in the discipline and highlighted by multiple rear-naked choke finishes. He combines composed striking with high-level grappling, allowing him to threaten opponents from both ranges. His experience and cardio make him especially dangerous in longer bouts, where his decision-making and mat control tend to shine.
Notable Events and Milestones
Signature moments include capturing both the RFA and inaugural LFA Bantamweight Championships, earning a Bellator title shot against Darrion Caldwell, and his dominant 2024 decision over James Gallagher on short notice. His contract renewal with Bellator in 2019 and subsequent PFL tournament entry in 2025 further mark him as a respected veteran of the sport.
Leandro Higo Career Wins
Across more than three decades of professional competition, Leandro Higo has built a well-rounded record highlighted by championship success and notable finishes. His victories span regional Brazilian shows, RFA, LFA, Bellator, and the Professional Fighters League.
Bellator Highlights
In Bellator, Higo has secured notable wins over Joe Taimanglo, Shawn Bunch, Ricky Bandejas, Darrion Caldwell, Nikita Mikhailov, and James Gallagher. Several of these victories came via submission or late-round finishes, reinforcing his reputation as a dangerous finisher when given the opportunity.
Other Wins and Performances
Outside Bellator, Higo claimed the RFA Bantamweight Championship and the inaugural LFA Bantamweight Championship. His early career featured consistent regional success in Brazil, where he developed into a top international bantamweight contender.
Leandro Higo Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Leandro Higo’s immediate family is limited. He was born and raised in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, where he continues to reside and train.
Personal Life
Higo has a son. Beyond this, he keeps his personal life largely private, focusing public attention on his training and competition schedule.
2025 Season Performance
Leandro Higo’s 2025 season marked a fresh chapter as he officially entered the Professional Fighters League Bantamweight Tournament. Although his quarterfinal bout at PFL 2 ended in a split decision loss to Marcirley Alves after opponent changes, Higo remained active and competitive inside the bracket. His veteran experience made him one of the most seasoned fighters in the tournament field.
Heading into the rescheduled bout with Magomed Magomedov at PFL Sioux Falls in 2026, Higo positioned himself as a dangerous late-tournament threat. The win via split decision, combined with his grappling pedigree, kept him firmly in title contention. With his multi-division experience and durable style, Higo is expected to remain a key figure in the PFL’s bantamweight picture beyond 2025.