Joanderson Brito is one of the fastest-rising stars in the realm of mixed martial arts. Since getting his UFC contract after an impressive showing in the Dana White Contender Series, ‘Tubarao’ has only lost a single match and has earned himself a five-fight win streak. While his previous match highlights would surely make him look like a menace to his rival, his inkwork all around his body too increases his presence inside the Octagon.

An aggressive fighter, he truly made a mess out of previous opponent Jack Shore’s legs led to a doctor’s stoppage and a 17-3-1 MMA record for Brito. And now he would be looking to dominate his next fight against William Gomis in a 145-pound bout at UFC Fight Night, Paris, France. And focussing back on his octagon presence, ‘Tubarao’ has several tattoos on his body, notable ones being a shark tattoo on the back, Veni Vidi Vici tattooed on his chest, T13 tattooed on the left bicep, and a star tattooed on the elbow. But what do these inks mean? Are they just for aesthetics and to make him look as menacing as possible? Well, let’s find out!

What do Joanderson Brito’s chest and back tattoos mean?

Brito was born on February 11, 1995, in Santa Helena, Maranhão, Brazil. For the unaware, Santa Helena de Minas is one of the poorest municipalities in the country. So, coming from such an economic background and becoming one of the most promising talents in the biggest MMA promotion in the world is no easy task. In fact, it may seem impossible to many unless they have herculean faith. As a result, Brito got a tattoo of the Latin phrase “Veni Vidi Vici.” When translated into English, the phrase means “I came, I saw, I conquered” and is attributed to one of the greatest emperors, Julius Caesar.

It surely is a fitting quote for Tubarao, who came to the United States from a poor municipality in Brazil, saw an opportunity to rise, and he surely conquered. But these feats cannot be achieved if one is not fearless and has true strength. Something that is perfectly signified by the shark tattoo that Brito has on his back. A reminder to him that gives him strength.

Other tattoos on Joanderson Brito’s body

Apart from the “Veni Vidi Vici” and the shark tattoo, Brito has many more tattoos on his body. He has a Polynesian tattoo on his chest, although the reasons behind getting it are unknown. However, it could be for its aesthetic value since ‘Tubarao’ is not Polynesian. He also has a dreamer tattoo on his torso, perfectly describing his rise to the top. Something that he dreamt about and has now finally achieved.

His star tattoo on his elbow could symbolize his aspirations and the pursuit of success, while the blackout tattoo on his left arm surely makes him look like a machine built to destroy his opponents, as they are surrounded by hexagonal shapes that make him look no less intimidating than the terminator. So just like Arnold Schwarzenegger, he too would like to stand out as the real beast in the Octagon on September 28 in France. What do you think? Will he be able to grab a win against William Gomis? Let us know in the comments.