Wagnney Fabiano

Wagnney’s mix of his proficient striking ability and solid ground game is helping him grow into a well rounded and accomplished mixed martial artist. Wagnney has trained in Brazil with teammates under Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira and has been linked to Renzo Gracie’s Academy. He is also known to have coached Georges St-Pierre in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

On November 9, 2012 Fabiano took on Rad Martinez at Bellator 80 in the Semifinals losing via unanimous decision.

Despite going 4-2 in the WEC, Fabiano was cut by Zuffa after his WEC 52 loss and the WEC/UFC merger. Following his release, Fabiano tried out for The Ultimate Fighter 14 at the open tryouts in Newark, N.J. on March 21, 2011.

Fabiano was expected to face Frank Gomez on January 10, 2010 at WEC 46. However, Gomez had been forced out of the bout with an injury. Fabiano instead faced Clint Godfrey, winning his bantamweight debut via unanimous decision.

Fabiano/Gomez eventually took place on June 20, 2010 at WEC 49. Fabiano won the fight via unanimous decision.

Fabiano was scheduled to fight undefeated WEC newcomer Erik Koch on October 10, 2009 at WEC 43., but Koch was forced to withdraw due to an undisclosed injury while training, he was replaced by Mackens Semerzier. Fabiano was defeated by Semerzier by submission via triangle choke in the first round, ending his eight-fight win streak. Fabiano found himself on the wrong end of the Sherdog.com Upset of the Year as a result of that submission loss.[1]

Wagnney Fabiano's next bout, and first IFL Featherwight title defense, came against Shad Lierley on April 4, 2008 at; IFL - New Blood, New Battles 2. In what was dubbed as an archetypal fight between wrestler and Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert, Fabiano won by knocking out Lierly at 0:37 of the first round. Fabiano displayed impressive standup skills, utilizing good leg kicks and bodyshots. Near the end of the round he threw a left jab which Lierly parried partially, but connected a flush right hook to knock out the challenger convincingly and conclude his first title defence. It also become his last and only defence of the IFL Featherwight championship as the company ceased operations on July 31, 2008.

On August 22 of 2008, the WEC announced that it had signed Fabiano. He was the last remaining champion from the International Fight League.

On October 14 of 2006, Fabiano stepped in to face off against Jeff Curran. Both fighters seemed overly tentative on the feet, and the fight largely consisted of grappling. Fabiano landed a few takedowns but offered little offence on the ground, being unable to improve his position. Curran came out firing in the third as he landed some good shots before they hit the canvas again. Even with Curran's third round, it appeared Fabiano would be ahead on takedowns on the scorecards. However the decision was announced, contentiously, in favor of Jeff Curran by split decision.

Wagnney Fabiano is married to Rachel Alves Romero dos Santos since 1998 and the couple has two daughters. The oldest, Joy Melody Romero dos Santos, and their youngest, Faith Melody Romero dos Santos.

Wagnney Silva Fabiano-Santos (born July 14, 1975) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist. He is best known for fighting in the WEC, which was owned by Zuffa – the previous owner of the UFC. He used to fight for the Toronto Dragons of the International Fight League and is the former IFL Featherweight Champion.