In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), few coaches have made as significant an impact as Rafael Cordeiro. Born on June 1, 1973, in Curitiba, Brazil, Cordeiro has become a household name in the MMA community, thanks to his exceptional coaching skills and the numerous world champions he has trained. As Mike Tyson prepares for his highly anticipated fight against Jake Paul, all eyes are on Cordeiro, the mastermind behind Tyson’s comeback.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Rafael Cordeiro |
| Date of Birth | June 1, 1973 (age 50) |
| Place of Birth | Curitiba, Brazil |
| Nickname | “Mestre” (Master) |
| Residence | Huntington Beach, California, United States |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Weight | 155 pounds (70 kg) |
| Division | Lightweight (as a fighter) |
| Fighting Style | Muay Thai |
| Teams | Kings MMA (2010–present), Chute Boxe Academy (until 2009) |
| Notable Fighters Trained | Rafael dos Anjos, Fabricio Werdum, Lyoto Machida, Wanderlei Silva |
| Current Role | Trainer of Mike Tyson for his fight against Jake Paul |
Early Life and Career
Rafael Cordeiro began his martial arts journey at a young age, training in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He quickly made a name for himself in the Brazilian MMA scene, competing as a lightweight and earning the nickname “Mestre” (Master) for his exceptional skills.
Standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing in at 155 pounds (70 kg), Cordeiro was a force to be reckoned with in the cage. However, it was his transition to coaching that truly showcased his genius.
The Rise of Kings MMA
In 2010, Cordeiro founded Kings MMA in Huntington Beach, California. The gym quickly became a hub for top-tier MMA talent, attracting fighters from around the world who sought to train under Cordeiro’s guidance.
Under Cordeiro’s leadership, Kings MMA has produced numerous world champions, including:
- Rafael dos Anjos (former UFC Lightweight Champion)
- Fabricio Werdum (former UFC Heavyweight Champion)
- Lyoto Machida (former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion)
- Wanderlei Silva (former PRIDE Middleweight Champion)
Cordeiro’s success as a coach can be attributed to his unique approach to training, which emphasizes technique, strategy, and mental toughness.
Training Mike Tyson
When Mike Tyson announced his plans to return to the ring at the age of 54, many questioned whether he could still compete at a high level. However, with Rafael Cordeiro in his corner, Tyson’s comeback has become one of the most talked-about events in combat sports.
Cordeiro has been working closely with Tyson, fine-tuning his techniques and helping him adapt his style to the unique challenges of modern boxing. Under Cordeiro’s guidance, Tyson has shown remarkable progress, displaying the speed, power, and skill that made him a legend in his prime.
Personal Life
Despite his busy schedule, Rafael Cordeiro has managed to maintain a balanced personal life. He is married and resides in Huntington Beach, California, where he continues to train the next generation of MMA stars at Kings MMA.
As Mike Tyson steps into the ring to face Jake Paul, the world will be watching to see if Rafael Cordeiro’s coaching can lead the former heavyweight champion to victory. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: Rafael Cordeiro’s impact on the world of MMA and combat sports will continue to be felt for years to come.