Macário is from Brazil and was first exposed to mixed martial artsgrowing up, watching PRIDE fights, and was a fan of Wanderlei Silva and Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, who were both champions in their respective divisions. Macário began to train in Muay Thai, until he was 14 years old and met his future coach, who invited the young Macário to come to his gym and train.
Macário made his MMA professional debut against Gilmar Souza Milhorance on August 15, 2010. He won the fight via TKO in the first round. Macario compiled an undefeated professional record of 6–0 before being invited to compete on.
In March 2013, it was revealed that Macário was a cast member of. He won his elimination fight to get into the TUF house, defeating Roberto Corvo by TKO in round 1. He was chosen to be a member of Team Nogueira. Over the course of the show, Santos defeated Thiago Marreta by unanimous decision and Tiago Alves by TKO to reach the semifinals. In the semifinals, he faced Viscardi Andrade winning the fight by TKO in round 3. He was expected to face Santiago Ponzinibbio in the final. However, Ponzinibbio broke his hand during his semifinal fight and was replaced by Leonardo Santos.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Macário fought Leonardo Santos in the finals on June 8, 2013 at. After a strong first round, Macário seemed to tire and was submitted in the second round. Macário faced Bobby Voelker on December 28, 2013 at UFC 168. Macário won the fight via a dominant unanimous decision. Macário was expected to face Neil Magny at UFC Fight Night 40. However, Macário was removed from the bout for undisclosed reasons and replaced by returning veteran Tim Means. A rescheduled bout with Magny took place on October 25, 2014 at UFC 179. Macário lost the bout via TKO in the third round. Macário faced Matt Dwyer on February 22, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 61. Macário lost the fight via knockout in the first round. Macário was expected to face Brendan O'Reilly on November 15, 2015 at UFC 193. However, Macário pulled out of the bout in late September citing injury and was replaced by James Moontasri. In turn, Macario was released from the promotion.
Post-UFC career
After winning two fights in the regional circuit in his native Brazil, he signed with Legacy Fighting Alliance. Macário made his promotional debut against Ramiz Brahimaj at and lost by way of guillotine choke in the second round. Macário faced Josh Burkman at Legacy Fighting Alliance 66 on May 10, 2019. He won the fight via split decision. On July 28, 2020, it was announced that Macário had signed a contract with Taura MMA. He is expected to make his promotional debut at Taura MMA 11 on October 30, 2020.
