Three Nova Uniao Champions Defend Their Titles in the UFC and Bellator

Team Marcelo Pereira is proud to be a part of the Nova Uniao family and wishes to congratulate Professor Pereira’s long time teacher Andre Pederneiras, who has coached and mentored three of his students on to championships in both the UFC and Bellator.

In February Jose Aldo successfully defended his UFC Featherweight title by defeating Frankie Edgar in UFC 156 in Las Vegas.  Aldo was responsible for Edgar’s third loss in a row, but the fight was not easy, with Edgar keeping the pace very fast throughout the fight.

Two weeks later, in London, Renan Barao also defended his UFC Bantamweight Championship (interim) by submitting Michael McDonald with an arm triangle.

Renen Barao being congratulated by teammates and his teacher, Grandmaster Andre Pederneiras.

In the Bellator promotion Eduardo Dantes defeated Marcos Galvao to retain his Bantamweight Championship belt.  Dantes, who currently trains under Andre Pederneiras, and Galvao, who now lives in New York City, are Nova Uniao teammates and have both trained under Grandmaster Pederneiras and consider each other friends, though both stated publicly that during the fight their friendship would come second to their first priority: winning the fight.  Of course, we are very proud of both fighters.

Eduardo Dantes defends his Bellator Championship by knocking out Marcos Galvao