"Thomas is often referenced as "Jabuta", which is the name for a small type of tortoise in Brazil. The nickname was first used by Thomas' training partner Bruno Malfacine while rolling with Lisboa when he had just returned to practice after an extended absence. Thomas was a bit heavier and slower than usual so "Malfa" joked that he moved like small turtle/tortoise (Jabuta). The fact that Thomas Lisboa is a laid back type of person and likes to take his time in day to day life led other training partners to identify him as a Jabuta."