Milton Vieira

Milton Vieira (born October 10, 1978) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist currently competing as a Featherweight. Vieira is widely credited as the inventor of the anaconda choke. Vieira is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Murilo Bustamante and competed in several top grappling competitions including Grapplers Quest. Milton appeared at the 2007 ADCC World Championship and also the 2009 ADCC World Championship. In mixed martial arts, he has competed for the UFC, PRIDE, Strikeforce, DEEP, M-1 Global and Shooto. He is stated to be the inventor of the anaconda choke from his days in Luta Livre.

Early career
Vieira made his professional mixed martial arts debut in June 2001 in his native Brazil. Over his decade-long career, he has competed in PRIDE Fighting Championship, DEEP, M-1 Global and Shooto promotions. During this time period he amassed a record of 13 wins, 7 losses and 1 draw, with all of his losses coming via decision.

Strikeforce
In mid-2011, Vieira signed a one fight deal with Strikeforce. He debuted against Sterling Ford at Strikeforce Challengers: Gurgel vs. Duarte on August 12, 2011 and won via technical submission (D'arce choke) in the first round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
In early 2012, it was announced that Vieira had signed a four-fight deal with the UFC.

Vieira faced Felipe Arantes on June 23, 2012 at UFC 147. The two fought to a split draw.

For his second fight for the promotion, Vieira faced Godofredo Pepey on January 19, 2013 at UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping. He lost the fight via split decision and was subsequently released from the promotion.