What an incredible journey it has been for Jonatas Novaes since the first time his brother began teaching him how to apply an armbar.

After beginning his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in his native homeland of Brazil as a child, Novaes has traveled across the world to compete in grappling tournaments and mixed martial arts events. And it all culminates in Green Bay on Thursday in the Combat USA Finals against Sherron Leggett.

Having previously competed in Brazil, Finland, Scotland, and Italy, Novaes made his Wisconsin debut in May against UFC-veteran Ryan Thomas within the Combat USA Illinois championships. The bout began with Thomas attempting an armbar against the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. Not a good idea.

"I was in actually in no trouble in that armbar, absolutely nothing," Novaes told US Combat Sports. "He grabbed my arm and when I lifted him it was to escape him completely because my elbow was already out. Of course when that thing happens you get nerves like oh my gosh I can be submitted, but then I escaped and was never in trouble to tap."

Immediately after removing his arm from the hold, the FLO MMA fighter began working his own ground game and ultimately forced his opponent to submit to his armbar near the end of the first round. He called it the biggest win of his career to date.

"For me it was for sure my best victory ever. I was supposed to fight another guy and unfortunately he couldn't fight and at last call Ryan Thomas was put in. I was like wow. He was in the UFC and Bellator and I know how good he was. But after about a minute I realized how great that match was for me because at this point in my career I only wish to face great opponents."

Battle for State Supremacy

He'll get his wish later this week when he takes on Wisconsin's Combat USA lightweight champion Leggett. Known as "Rob Roy", the dominating wrestler has remained unbeaten for over three years and has won 17 of his last 19 bouts.

"Rob Roy is a very good opponent and he deserves to be in the finals," said Novaes. "I know how good he is and I'm very happy to be fighting that guy. I know he's very experienced and it's going to be a good match for us and those who watch the fight.

But despite Leggett's credentials Novaes remains confident in his own abilities.

"His streak is no matter and I believe in my training. He's been doing very well for the past three years and fought a very good fighter last but I have been doing the same. I just had one loss in Strikeforce that was very good and I think we are at the same level."

From the outside, the meeting between Leggett and Novaes looks to be a classic wrestler versus grappler stylistic matchup. But wherever the fight goes, Novaes ensures that he will remain calm and comfortable.

"I've been training jiu-jitsu my whole life and I'm comfortable everywhere. I even feel real good in the stand-up game and no matter where the fight goes it's good for me."

Opening Heavy Doors

With his only loss in nearly four years taking place within Strikeforce to the undefeated Christian Uflacker, Novaes hopes that a victory over the streaking Leggett can help him earn another trip into a national promotion.

"I'm looking for a win to get me into either Strikeforce or of course getting my dream and getting into the UFC. I know I can be in there and I know I could do good and that's what I'm looking for. A victory would open the doors for me or either Rob Roy if he won the fight, so this tournament is going to be a huge thing for me or for him. I'm very excited for this fight and this is going to be very good for me."

While Thursday's Combat USA event is loaded with impressive matchups such as Louis Taylor versus Whisper Goodman or Neil Magny meeting Andrew Trace, the most experienced and major league ready bout will be between Leggett and Novaes. And Novaes hopes everyone is as excited for the fight as he is.

"Fans can expect a person very hungry to fight that is very well-trained and is looking forward for this victory. I'm very hungry and I'm pretty sure I'm going to end this fight and get the victory for sure."

Sherron Leggett Talks Novaes

Novaes Subs Thomas at Combat USA