This article was republished to include the correct URL for The Arena MMA Gym

Professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos moved to Pacific Beach six months ago from Brazil so he could train stateside at a Sports Arena Boulevard gym for his upcoming Jan. 29 fight against defending welterweight champion Nick Diaz for the Strikeforce crown.

The showdown is expected to be a very important test for Santos, who has been fighting professionally for 15 years around the world, including in Japan and his native Brazil.

“I’ve been training a lot and I’ve asked God to help me out so the day of the fight I can use all the tools I have and show everyone [what I can do],” said Santos through his translator, Flavio Scorsato.

With a win, Santos and his wife, Cris, would become the first married couple to hold simultaneous world championships in the sport. Cris owns the Strikeforce women’s middleweight title. Evangelista said he would be very proud to hold the title at the same time as his wife.

“Some media here and in Brazil discriminate the sport as aggressive and violent, so a couple competing is something that’s going to help make the sport grow,” he said.

Although he still needs a Portuguese translator to communicate in English, Santos feels he’s learning the language a little bit more every day. “I have a lot of people who can help me out (with speaking the language),” he said. “But my main focus is fighting. I didn’t come here to give any lectures.”

Santos is an intimidating presence. His excellent physique is adorned with extensive tattoos. He said he got his first one when he was 12 years old and his mother was so angry she made him scrub it until it came off.

His displays of self-expression are important to him. Tattoos on his left side represent his “Cyborg” side, detailing an extensive robotic arm. He also has a tattoo of Mike Tyson on his stomach because he respects the boxer’s fierceness. Santos has a tattoo of Che Guevara because he likes the revolutionary spirit he symbolizes.

“My mom thought tattoos were for thugs, but I grew up and proved that’s not true,” he said. “I just always liked them.”

San Diego has a growing list of fighters who come to this training hotbed to compete in a sport that’s rapidly increasing in popularity. Santos is trying to become the latest local to shine on the world stage.

The Santos vs. Diaz bout will be televised on the Showtime network Jan. 29 from the HP Pavilion Center in San Jose. Santos currently trains at The Arena MMA gym, located at 3350 Sports Arena Blvd. Santos teaches classes at The Arena as well. For more information, call (619) 222-5554 or visit https://www.thearenagym.com/muaythai/