MC Livinho, originally a Brazilian funk singer, transitioned to influencer boxing, achieving a 2-0 record with knockout wins and is set to fight comedian-turned-boxer Lucas Veloso, while expressing interest in a future match against Whindersson Nunes.
SAO PAULO — MC Livinho exploded onto the Brazilian music scene in 2008 as a funk singer, but fighting was always in his veins. With influencer boxing booming globally, he found a path back to his roots, delivering knockouts in the ring.
At 2-0 in boxing, with decisive wins over Brazilian celebrities Dynho Alves and Felipe Alves, MC Livinho returns to the ring Saturday. He’ll face comedian-turned-boxer Lucas Veloso at Fight Music Show 6, the premier influencer event in Sao Paulo on May 17.
“I had a very troubled and aggressive childhood,” MC Livinho, whose real name is Oliver Decesary Santos, shared after training at the Fighting Nerds gym. “God blessed me spiritually and financially, and I found success in funk. I worked hard for years, and opportunities opened for me.”
He dabbled in football, another passion, but boxing became his true calling. As a child, he was talented enough to earn a kickboxing scholarship but quit after two months. Now, with over 13 million Instagram followers, he returned to the ring.
“I first tried boxing in 2019, and it allowed me to release anger and trauma,” he said. “Boxing saved me. It disciplined me, and I was one of the first funkeiros to train. Challenged by Dynho Alves at FMS, I prepared to compete against influencers. Now, I’m heading for my third match after two knockout wins.”
“I started as a hobby because I love boxing,” he continued, “but after being challenged, fear vanished. I’ve faced many adversities, including street fights. Fear doesn’t exist. It was all new, but I embraced the invitation and kept going.”
In 2023, MC Livinho knocked down Dynho Alves and sent Felipe Alves off the ring. He trains with Fighting Nerds coach Erick Terere and plans to continue as long as he’s having fun. Being around UFC stars like Caio Borralho and Jean Silva fuels his excitement.
“I arrived when Caio was heading to the UFC,” MC Livinho said. “I witnessed Ruffy, Jean, and Prates rise. Now, more talents like Jair Farias and Romulo Oliveira are ready to shine. They won’t disappoint when called.”
Though he won’t switch from boxing to MMA, he dreams of a match with Whindersson Nunes. A popular Brazilian comedian, Nunes has had a mixed boxing career, including a loss on the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson undercard.
“I’d love to fight Whindersson Nunes, but he’s not that interested,” MC Livinho said. “It would greatly enhance the influencer boxing movement. He loves boxing, just like me.”