After winning Gold in the -77 kg and Absolute divisions of the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in 2002, Vieira went to São Paulo to train with the founder of Infight Academy, 6th Degree BJJ Black Belt Totila ‘Pitoco’ Jordan Neto.
In 2004, Vieira came to the United States to compete at the Pan American Championship and that is when he was introduced to Gracie Barra by Eduardo de Lima.
Vieira was the founder and head instructor of DVBJJ Academy in 2006 located in Tampa, Florida with affiliated schools in Brazil, France, Morocco, Belgium, United States and Australia.
[4] Episode Two: Vieira won his elimination fight to get into the TUF house, defeating Leandro Silva (11-0) by unanimous decision and he was chosen to be a member of Team Nogueira.
Episode Ten: Vieira lost his quarterfinals match by unanimous decision to Andrade, ending his run at becoming the next Ultimate Fighter.
At the end of the show David and his teammate Mirella Vieira finished as runner up, after they lost in the final round of elimination in a kayak competition.