Chimaev's training partner, Felipe Lima details life in Sweden

Born in Coari, municipality of Amazonas, Felipe Lima began to have contact with mixed martial arts very early, at the age of 12. At that time, little did the young man know that, in the future, he would pursue a professional career in the industry and would have to travel almost 10 thousand kilometers to reach his new home in Solna, Sweden. Resident of the European country for six years, 'Jungle Boy' became Khamzat Chimaev's training partner on the 'All Stars' team. In an exclusive interview with the team at Ag Fightthe featherweight (66 kg) detailed what the life and routine of an immigrant in the region is like.

Migrating to Sweden also helped boost Felipe's international career. In a great team, the 26-year-old Brazilian received a golden chance in June this year. With just five days notice, he was offered an opportunity to debut in the UFC, on the card based in Saudi Arabia. Without thinking twice, Lima embraced the challenge and reaped the rewards, defeating Muhammad Naimov by submission in the third round, and pocketing the 'Performance of the Night' bonus.

“I'm from Coari, I was born there. I started training MMA in Coari when I was 12 years old. Then when I turned 13, my family moved to Manaus. I started my career in Manaus, I had my first professional fights there. And when he had seven professional fights, I decided to leave Brazil, I was trying to go to the USAbut unfortunately I didn't get the visa. Today I say that luckily I didn't get the visa, otherwise I wouldn't have gone to Sweden. I went to Sweden through a friendI met the team there and I'm still living there today, I live in Sweden, that's where I'm home. I speak English and about 70% Swedish. I communicate in Swedish too”, explained Felipe.

Adaptation to culture

Coming from a tropical country and a traditionally hot region, Lima admitted that perhaps his biggest setback in adapting to Sweden was dealing with the extremely cold climate, with subzero temperatures. On the other hand, the UFC fighter highlighted that contact with the culture of the European nation was a positive surprise throughout the accommodation period. Six years later and already feeling at home, Felipe praises the routine of life he currently has.

“Sweden has several immigrants. I don't see Sweden as just Swedes. Sweden, if it didn't have immigrants, wouldn't be legítimo to live in. We have several immigrants from all over the world. Everything you can imagine, we have in Sweden, all kinds of food. Living in Sweden, because of the cold, is very hard, especially for me, who came from Amazonasin the North, which is very hot (laughs). It's very different, because here it gets to -15, -20 degrees. But I adapted a lot to the culture, I have many friends in Sweden. I feel at home, I've been living in Sweden for six years. I'm 'adapted', I love the culture. It’s very interesting to move to another country and get to know a new culture”, highlighted the Brazilian.

At 26 years old, Felipe Lima emerges with a record of 13 wins and just one loss in professional MMA. After surprising his debut in Ultimate, the 'All Stars' athlete returns to the most famous octagon in the world this Saturday (14), against American Miles Johns. The confrontation reinforces the UFC Tampa preliminary card, the event that closes the organization's season.