Ever caught yourself staring at a UFC fighter’s tattoos and wondering, what’s the story here? Are they just random designs, or do they hold some deeper meaning? Francisco Prado isn’t just throwing punches, his body is a canvas, covered in symbols that scream ambition, resilience, and maybe even a bit of warning. But what exactly is he trying to say with all that ink? More importantly, does his tattoo game match his UFC journey?

Make no mistake – at UFC 312, he’s stepping into a whole new battlefield in his welterweight debut against none other than Jake Matthews, a veteran who’s been in the game for nearly a decade. And if there’s one thing Prado’s ink has made loud and clear, it’s that he thrives on challenges. And don’t fighters love to say, “My tattoos tell my story?” So, let’s crack open the book that is Francisco Prado’s inked-up journey and see if the story checks out.

What does Francisco Prado’s chest tattoo mean?

Alright, let’s get straight to it. That beast on Prado’s chest, lion or tiger? Hard to tell at first glance, but either way, it’s got serious alpha energy. Lions are the kings of the jungle, symbols of dominance, strength, and leadership. Sound familiar? It should, Prado isn’t exactly the type to play second fiddle.

In Asian cultures, tigers are straight-up powerhouses, seen as symbols of protection, passion, and raw energy. Japanese Irezumi-style tigers, in particular, are all about movement and resilience, qualities any fighter would kill to have inside the cage. And Prado’s UFC journey has already been a test of resilience. At just 21, Prado stormed into the UFC with a reputation for finishing fights. But the big leagues hit back. His debut at UFC 284 against Jamie Mullarkey? A unanimous decision loss. A harsh welcome, but he did not back down. Five months later, he bounced back with a brutal first-round ground-and-pound TKO over Ottman Azaitar at UFC Vegas 77 and with it, his first Performance of the Night bonus. Not bad for a guy still finding his feet in the lightweight division.

And if you thought that was the only nod to his warrior mindset, think again. Look up, right on his neck. There’s a small Japanese script that translates to “Jiu Jitsu.” If you had any doubts about his grappling roots, well, that ink is here to set the record straight. It’s almost like a warning label: Takedown attempts not advised.

UFC star’s hand tattoo and its meaning

Now, let’s talk about the left arm. His sleeve is a full-blown statement, starting from his shoulder down to his wrist. But before you think it’s all about looking tough, there’s a deeper layer here. First up, the religious imagery. A tiny tattoo of Jesus on the cross sits on his shoulder, followed by a larger portrait of Jesus’ face. Below that? A figure that looks like Mother Mary. Faith, devotion, belief – this ink isn’t just for show. For many fighters, these tattoos serve as their foundation, a reminder that no matter how brutal the sport gets, there’s something bigger guiding them. Or maybe it’s just a silent plea for divine protection in a sport where one wrong punch can send you to another dimension. Either way, it’s working for him.

But here’s where things get really interesting, Prado has the UFC logo inked on his forearm, right near his wrist. Talk about commitment! This isn’t just any tattoo, it’s a badge of honor. Some fighters fight for years and never reach the big leagues, and here’s Prado, young and hungry, already branding himself with the UFC mark. That’s either confidence or a really intense manifestation technique.

And speaking of confidence, Prado’s next chapter could be even wilder. After his second UFC fight, he hinted at moving up from lightweight to welterweight, saying the UFC Performance Institute recommended it. Now, at UFC 312, that move is finally happening. His journey so far has been a mix of highs and lessons, but one thing’s clear, he’s not afraid to evolve. Maybe that’s why the floral design running down his arm fits so well. Growth, change, transition, it’s all there, in ink and action. Francisco Prado’s UFC career is still in its early chapters, but his tattoos already tell a story of resilience, faith, and ambition. One thing’s for sure, whether it’s through ink or action, he’s making sure people remember his name. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!