A professional MMA competitor since 2010, Viana made a name for himself competing on the first season of Globo's The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil.
Wolverine (nicknamed after the Marvel Comics character) did not spend long on the amateur circuit, only competing in one fight before turning professional only a few months later.
From November 2010 to September 2011 Hugo fought three times, winning all three fights via unanimous decision to bring his record to 5-0.
[3] He defeated Alexandre Ramos via TKO in the first round to move into the Ultimate Fighter house, and become an official cast member.
[5] In the semi-finals, Hugo fought Rony Mariano Bezerra, losing the fight via unanimous decision, thus eliminating him from the tournament.
[8] Viana dropped down to the Bantamweight division for his next fight on December 15, 2012, at The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale against Reuben Duran.
[15] However, just days before the event, Viana was forced out of the bout with an injury, removing their fight from the card altogether.