Shawn Marcos da Silva: The “Vato Loco” Ready to Ignite the Octagon
Shawn Marcos Claudino da Silva, better known as “Vato Loco,” is set to make his Oktagon MMA debut on March 7, 2026, at the Barclays Arena in Hamburg, Germany. The 30-year-old flyweight fighter’s journey to this point has been marked by a unique nickname, a strong connection to his training base, and a relentless pursuit of his ultimate goal: the UFC.
From “Blood In Blood Out” to the Octagon
The moniker “Vato Loco” originates from the 1993 film Blood In Blood Out, with the Spanish translation meaning “crazy guy.” Da Silva adopted the nickname because he felt it reflected his fighting style. “Somehow that fits my fighting style,” he said with a laugh.[3] The nickname has stuck with him throughout his career, even within his training gym.
Planet Eater: A Martial Arts Mecca
Da Silva trains at Planet Eater in Balingen, Germany, a gym described as a “mecca of Balingen martial arts.”[2] The gym, led by ex-UFC fighter Peter Sobotta, has already seen success with other fighters like Alina Dalaslan, Emilio Quissua, and Arijan Topallaj competing in Oktagon MMA.[2]
A Logical Step Towards a Bigger Dream
After his last fight in November 2024 with “The Cage” organization, Da Silva made the move to Oktagon MMA, viewing it as “the logical next step” in his career.[2] He aims to build a community within Germany, but faced some scheduling challenges before securing his current bout.[2]
Facing Matheus Severino
Da Silva will face Brazilian fighter Matheus Severino (14-5-0) in Hamburg.[2] For Da Silva (7-1-0), this fight represents another step towards his ambition of reaching the UFC.[1] He previously came close to earning a spot in the Contender Series, the UFC’s preliminary stage, but lost a unanimous decision to Lone’er Kavanagh in March 2024.[2]
A Voice for the In-Between
Born in Albstadt, Germany, to a Brazilian father, Da Silva has experienced a sense of being an outsider. He spent five years of his childhood in Portugal.[2] He identifies as German but acknowledges being seen as a foreigner in both Germany, and Brazil.[2] He hopes to represent those who, like himself, navigate multiple identities on a larger stage. “I also want to be a voice for people who are like me.”[2]
Late Start, Burning Fire
Da Silva began his martial arts journey at the age of 21.[2] Now, he is determined to bring his passion and energy to the Octagon and, to the UFC.[2]
Shawn Marcos da Silva – Fighter Profile
- Nickname: Vato Loco
- Age: 30 (born February 29, 1996)
- Height: 5’7” (170cm)
- Weight: 125.3 lbs (Flyweight)
- Record: 7 wins – 1 loss – 0 draws
- Affiliation: Planet Eater
- Head Coach: Peter Sobotta
[1] Tapology – Shawn Marcos da Silva
[2] Sherdog – Shawn Marcos da Silva
[3] YouTube – vato loco blood in blood out