Francisco Trinaldo

Francisco Trinaldo (born August 24, 1978) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who competed in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional since 2006, he has also competed for Jungle Fight in his native Brazil, where he is the former Lightweight Champion, and was a competitor on The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil.

Mixed martial arts career Background Trinaldo began with an amateur career, compiling a record of 6–1 in mixed martial arts. He is also a three-time Brasilia State Kickboxing Champion, and began kickboxing when he was 23 years old before transitioning into mixed martial arts, holding a record of 12–1. Trinaldo is an ex-training partner of Paulo Thiago and Rani Yahya.

He spends most of his training time at the Evolução Thai, where he garnered considerable recognition, causing Sherdog.com to list him in August 2010 as their top prospect in MMA.

Trinaldo is regarded as being hampered by financial issues that prevented his rise further in the sport. Coming from a disadvantaged background, Trinaldo struggled and has been quoted as saying "Sometimes I can’t train because I don’t have money to catch a bus and go to the academy."

His nickname came from the character of the Brazilian TV show Casseta & Planeta Urgente played by the Brazilian comedian Cláudio Manoel named Massaranduba, who had his same quarrelsome attitude.