Written by Danny Davies-Jones, @Tidy_MMA on X
In his 1913 autobiography, the 26th U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt wrote “It is not often that a man can make opportunities for himself. But he can put himself in such shape that when or if the opportunities come he is ready to take advantage of them”.
For an epitome of such wisdom, one need look no further than Brazilian featherweight Inglesson de Lara.
In late June 2024, one week prior to LFA 187, an injured Felipe Oliveira withdrew from his main-card matchup with Lucas Miletich. A pivotal contest for the promotion’s inaugural Brazil-vs-Latin America team challenge, only a Brazilian replacement could retain the original thematic intent of the bout.
On just seven days notice – and only two weeks after going the distance with 9-3 Wily Pereira – Inglesson de Lara agreed to step-in against the 8-1 Argentine prospect.
“I didn’t know Lucas” Inglesson admits. “… [but] I didn’t stop training after the [Wily Pereira] fight – I was training a lot. I studied [Lucas] with my team and we thought it was a good matchup, so we accepted”.
Out-striking Lucas Miletich 26-4 in the first round alone, Inglesson defied the oddsmakers with a spectacular performance across the distance that earned 30-27 scorecards from all three judges. The bout itself garnered acclaim, with both athletes receiving a Fight of the Night bonus – on a card that was later voted LFA’s Event of the Year.
In the post-bout interview, surging UFC middleweight Caio Borralho – on commentary duties alongside Ron Kruck – mused “Imagine what [Inglesson] could do with a full training camp”.
Well, fight fans need no longer wonder, as the 30-year-old looks towards arguably his biggest opportunity to date – a deserved main-event for his sophomore LFA appearance. On May 24th 2025, Inglesson de Lara vs. Bruno Henrique will headline the promotion’s inaugural Mato Grosso event; LFA 209 at the Malai Manso Resort in Chapada dos Guimarães.
His first bout in just over seven months, Inglesson makes his promotional return against a formidable opponent. Holding an 18-4 professional record, Bruno Henrique has competed in twice as many professional bouts as the Paranaense featherweight, and enters LFA 209 riding a seven-bout win-streak extending back to 2017.
“My opponent is very experienced, and he has a lot of fights” Inglesson says. “… I want to fight the best in the division, and I’m very happy to face my opponent. I am well trained and I can’t wait to show my skill in the LFA”.
“You guys can expect a very aggressive Inglesson, but strategic and controlling the distance” Inglesson adds. “It will be a war”.
Currently holding a 10-1 professional record, the 30-year-old enters LFA 209 riding a four-bout win-streak amassed in less than six months, against competition with a combined 24-5 professional record.
Earning six professional wins via KO/TKO, 50% of Inglesson’s ten professional victories have ended inside the first round. Most recently, the Paranaense became the first athlete to finish 6-1 Marlon Brito inside the distance – a victory that earned Inglesson a regional interim championship at a heavier weight.
A blackbelt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the featherweight currently trains out of Brazilian TKO in Curitiba, Paraná under Head Coach André Dina, Muay Thai Coach Gustavo Kasecker, and Strength & Conditioning Coach Madison Filho. Training with the likes of 18-7-1 Luiz Cado, 7-1 Felipe Pereira, and LFA alumni Milson Castro (17-6) and Renzo Cortti (9-5), Inglesson is also a teammate of current UFC athletes Brunno Ferreira and Brendson Ribeiro.
“I’m very happy to be a part of this team” Inglesson says. “It’s a big motivation, because I knew [Brunno Ferreira and Brendson Ribeiro] since they were fighting in local shows here in Brazil. I know each one is writing his own history. I’ve seen the history of [Brunno Ferreira and Brendson Ribeiro], and I know that I can do the same”.
Notably a WGP Kickboxing Super Lightweight Challenger GP finalist in 2017, Inglesson built an impressive 14-4 kickboxing record prior to the launch of his professional mixed martial arts career in late 2018.
During his time at WGP Kickboxing, the Paranaense competed alongside UFC superstar/LFA alum Alex Pereira, and UFC heavyweight/Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner Jhonata Diniz.
Given the present trajectory of his own mixed martial arts career, one could certainly argue that it is only a matter of time until Inglesson de Lara is sharing events with the likes of Poatan and Diniz once more.
“I’m very focussed on this fight [with Bruno Henrique] – every step is important” Inglesson explains. “I want to go to the UFC, and one day become a UFC champion. I know this is one [more] step towards my goal”.
The author extends his utmost gratitude to Inglesson de Lara, Jamie McClintock, and Caio Portella for making this article possible.
Translation provided by Caio Portella.
