Rousimar Palhares (Portuguese pronunciation: [ʁowziˈmaʁ paˈʎaɾiʃ];, born February 20, 1980) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist.

Palhares began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the age of 15, before moving to Rio de Janeiro to compete professionally.

Palhares earned his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under former UFC Middleweight Champion Murilo Bustamante and Bebeo Duarte.

[9] Having spent his entire early career competing in Brazil, Palhares's first bout outside his home country was in the United States at UFC 84.

[10] Palhares took 2nd place in the under 88 kg 2011 ADCC, finishing his first three opponents quickly with leg locks, before losing to established World Champion Andre Galvao in the final, by points.

Palhares quickly rebounded from the loss to defeat veteran Jeremy Horn at UFC 93 by unanimous decision.

[12] He was, however, subsequently suspended for 90 days for continuing to crank the submission even after Drwal had tapped and referee Kevin Mulhall stepped in to stop the fight.

Marquardt attacked, catching Palhares off guard as he was complaining to the referee and won the fight through a ground-and-pound stoppage.

[17] However, on January 18, Ferreira was dismissed from Chute Boxe Academy, his home training camp, for a "lack of commitment."

Palhares was expected to replace an injured Luiz Cane against Yushin Okami on August 11, 2012, at UFC 150.

However, Palhares was denied a Submission of the Night bonus because he continued cranking the heel hook after the referee stepped in, an act UFC deemed "unsportsmanlike conduct."

[41] After the release from the WSOF, Palhares compiled a record of 1–4–1 in Italian, Polish and Russian promotions, losing two championship fights in the process.

Initially, he was expected to make his promotional debut against Sean Loeffler at Taura MMA 11 on October 30, 2020.

[45] Reports surfaced in the week leading up to this fight that Loeffler was forced to withdraw and was quickly replaced with Anthony Gordillo instead.

[47] Palhares faced Ibragim Magomedov at ACA 140 on June 17, 2022, losing the bout via first round TKO stoppage.