Coming from the Brazilian working class, Geison Santana Moreno has struggled since childhood to escape poverty. Thanks to his fighting skills, MMA has provided the function of a social elevator for him, and has no intention of missing the opportunity that HEXAGONE MMA offers on June 17.

When you are born near Curitiba, in a family of fighters, it would be hard to escape an education in martial arts. From an early age, it was in the jiu-jitsu halls that Geison Santana Moreno developed his values, his rigor and his talent. Even today, this philosophy accompanies him, even though he has left his native Brazil.

“I come from a working class background. Life has not always been easy for us. So when I was 12 years old, my parents decided to leave the country, to try to find better opportunities elsewhere.”

It is in Spain, where he made his mark that Geison Santana Moreno continues his perpetual evolution in the ground game that has served him so well since his debut in MMA. The proof: with three victories and as many submissions in the cage, the binational has built a reputation and a presence.

“I’m finding it harder and harder to find fights. Since I’m a black belt in jiu-jitsu and I’ve won the Spanish championships eight times, some people are scared.”

“Martial arts is my livelihood”

With the calm that characterizes him, Geison Santana Moreno, 27, already looks ahead to his sequel fight, which he hopes will also be quick.

“I want to impress the public, and quickly finish my fights in the cage of HEXAGONE MMA. This is very important. For me, martial arts is not just a passion, it’s also my livelihood and my way out of poverty.”

Since childhood, Geison Santana Moreno has struggled, literally and figuratively, to rise socially and provide for his family. Even today, the balance is hard to achieve but his drive acts as a powerful engine. With his back to the wall, he has no choice but to move forward.