He fought primarily in his native Brazil, amassing an undefeated streak of 12–0 before debuting for the World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku promotion.
In his next fight Sandro fought for the vacant King of Pancrase Featherweight Championship against Masaya Takita.
Sandro participated in World Victory Road's Sengoku Featherweight Championship Tournament, losing by a "must decide" decision in the semi-finals to judo specialist and former UFC veteran Michihiro Omigawa.
Sandro lost the Sengoku Featherweight Championship to Hatsu Hioki at World Victory Road Presents: Soul of Fight on December 30, 2010, by unanimous decision (49–47, 48–47, 48–47).
A third judge scored the bout 29–28 for da Silva, which resulted in a split decision victory for Sandro.
After controlling the fight with his superior striking, Sandro lost via head kick KO late in the second round.
Sandro rebounded from the first KO loss of his career by submitting fellow Brazilian Rafael Dias in the first round at Bellator 58.
In March 2012, Sandro entered the Bellator Season Six Featherweight Tournament, where he defeated Roberto Vargas by submission in the first round.
Despite this setback, Sandro bounced back with a win against Wanderson Michel in November 2015 during Shooto Brasil 59: Bahia.
Despite this loss, Sandro finished the year on a positive note, defeating Koyomi Matsushima by TKO in Pancrase 283.
Sandro's winning streak continued into 2017, where he beat Diego Arturo Huerto Jauregui with an arm-triangle choke submission in Shooto Brazil 74.
This victory marked a significant moment in Sandro's career, signaling his return to MMA after overcoming personal and legal challenges.