Author – Shawn Bitter
Weightclass: Bantamweight
Record: 7-0
Age: 26
Height: 5’8”
Born in: Canada
Training out of: MMA Lab
Combined opponents’ record (at the time they fought): 23-19-1
Key wins: N/A
I first noticed Dias when he competed in the BTC $10,000 tournament, which he won in 2022. He hasn’t beaten anyone notable, but he was an inexperienced pro who beat other inexperienced guys. At the team beating the Atmeh brothers was good wins. After winning the tournament, he took two years off before returning last year.
During his layoff, Dias relocated to the U.S. and began training at the MMA Lab, working daily with the likes of Kyler Phillips, Marcus McGhee, Mario Bautista, and other high-level prospects—an environment that has clearly pushed his development. A BJJ black belt, most of Dias’ success has come on the mat. His striking remains the biggest question mark: he uses his hands effectively to close distance, but struggles at range, often advancing in straight lines and looking uncomfortable when kept on the outside.
Dias’ game is built on forward pressure. He throws volume to force the clinch, where he leans heavily on head pressure and works toward takedowns. While he can shoot from too far out, he chains his attempts well and finds success especially off the cage. His go-to entries include single legs that transition into body locks—difficult sequences to defend once he establishes position.
On the ground, Dias excels. He’s excellent at taking the back, securing the body triangle, and maintaining control. He often finds opportunities during scrambles, cutting through the guard to set up transitions. Though a bit loose in some exchanges, that looseness allows him to sneak in submissions like armbars and triangles. While he isn’t overly aggressive in hunting finishes, his grappling control and submission threats make him dangerous in every position.
I scouted Dias last year and wanted to give him two more fights before reevaluating. Since then, his striking has sharpened slightly, and his takedown entries have improved. With his age, skill set, and the team around him, I’m confident Dias is on track to become a future UFC fighter.