From Paris, France, Lucas "Dos Santos" Tricoire's path to combat sports began on the tennis courts of IMG Academy. But boxing called to him. Unable to find a boxing gym nearby, Lucas walked into an MMA gym in 2019 and dove deeper into martial arts than he ever imagined. What started as a search for striking became a complete immersion into the world of combat sports.
In 2019, Lucas faced a life-altering moment that would define his commitment to fighting forever. The day before his fight for Triumphant Promotions in Mexico, he was kidnapped by the cartel and held hostage for three hours. Most people would break. Most would never step foot in a ring again. Lucas was let go, and the next day he walked into that ring and won his fight. "Right then and there I knew this was THE WAY for me." That moment—staring down fear and choosing to fight anyway - transformed him from an athlete into a warrior.
Over 17 fights, Lucas has compiled a 13-4 record and an impressive trophy case: USA Muay Thai National Champion, MTAAC Champion, and Bronze Medalist at the WBC Pan-American Games. His most memorable moment came in his third MMA fight - a devastating 20-second knockout that announced his arrival as a dangerous finisher.
Known for his "sniper" fighting style, Lucas is calculated, precise, and patient. His signature technique, "slip bang", reflects his counter-striking brilliance: slip the attack, then explode with power. His mindset going into every fight is balanced but lethal: "Stay calm, have fun, kill." It's the mindset of someone who's faced real fear and learned to channel it into controlled aggression.
Guided by Bruce Lee's philosophy "Be Water" - adapting, flowing, becoming formless - Lucas embodies resilience and evolution. His personal motto reflects the journey that brought him here: "Never give up, no matter how many times you fall, get back up." For Lucas, Muay Thai taught him that "discipline and hard work are the keys to success."
Training at Kill Cliff FC in Miami under Coach Gregory Choplin, Lucas credits his coaches and family for believing in him throughout the journey. His first coach, Nahom Demissie, laid the foundation, while Coach Choplin has refined him into the fighter he is today. His parents have stood by him through everything - including that terrifying day in Mexico - never wavering in their support.
Lucas teaches martial arts in schools around Miami, blessed to work and train in a martial arts setting full-time. It's not just a job - it's his mission. "I want to change the world with martial arts." His current goal reflects that ambition: become a UFC fighter. He's planning to turn professional next spring, ready to take the next step in his journey.
What makes Lucas's story unique? "You decide if your story is unique," he says with a knowing smile. But the truth is undeniable: a man who was kidnapped by a cartel, held hostage for three hours, then fought and won the next day has already proven something most people never will—that nothing can break him.
His message to fans is humble but confident: "I appreciate you all, this is only the beginning."
Support Lucas "Dos Santos" Tricoire as he continues his journey from Paris to Miami to the UFC, proving that when you face the worst life can throw at you and still choose to fight, nothing can stop you.
