Brazilian MMA Fighter and Trainner Andre Dida thanks God for being alive

Just a few short weeks ago on Oct. 20^th, Brazilian MMA fighter and trainer Andre Dida Amado escaped and survived a gunshot to the head in a near fatal shooting that occurred outside of a popular MMA gym in Toronto.

As Andre Dida and his brotherMauricio Veiowere getting into one of his student’s car, an argument erupted outside of the front of the gym when a gunman shot two rounds into the back seat of the SUV they were in and resulted in a bullet grazing the back of Dida’s head while another student who was sitting beside him in the vehicle was hit in the arm.The group sped away to the nearest hospital and Dida managed to get the bullet wound sutured with ten stitches. Fortunately both men survived the ordeal.

According to police, the shooting was likely targeted, but there has been no word as to whether or not the vehicle was the target or if it was simply a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time

On Portal do Vale Tudo, Dida shared these words about the incident,

"For everyone who supports me, rest assured because I am well trained and will give my best to represent Brazil and people that support me," he told Brazilian based website. "The fact that occurred did not remove me from my goal, only made me stronger. I thank God for being alive and for allowing me to continue my path."

Dida owns a 6-5-1 MMA record and has competed in K-1 tournaments since 2007 with wins over Caol Uno and Hiroyuki Takaya. Dida went on in 2008 to fight for DREAM as a lightweight, but has seen little success under the organizations banner losing 4 straight fights to the likes of Eddie Alvarez, Gesias “JZ” Calvancante and recently to KJ Noons back in March of this year.

In spite of the ten staples required to close the gash, the popular trainer of UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio ”Shogun” Rua returned to training three days later and has since opened his own gym in Toronto, not to mention kept his K-1 Max matchup against Hinata that took place Nov. 8.

 The event kicked off with the reserve bout for the tournament.  Dida showed the heart of a champion, having been knocked down, but not counted out, Dida hung on to the very end but the Japanese hopeful won the fight by 5 points on all cards.