Thiago Gaia is a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Marco Barbosa, having spent most of his lower belt career under the tutelage of Leonardo Vieira. Regarded as one of the hottest prospects in the sport since his purple belt campaign (2009/10), Gaia confirmed his talent as a black belt medalling in some of Brazil's top tournaments, particularly in Sao Paulo's No-Gi grappling scene.