Fighting in Brazil Issa made his professional MMA debut in October 2006 submitting Eduardo Felipe in the second round. He was handed the first loss of his MMA career in May 2007 when he was stopped in the third round by Japanese fighter
Takafumi Otsuka. In total Issa fought five times in Brazil during this period, winning three fights and losing two.
War Gods Issa's first fight outside of Brazil was at War Gods in California. He defeated Ralph Lopez by rear naked choke in the opening round. and he has finished all five fights with a different submission. On July 18 it was announced that Issa would be facing unbeaten Korean Soo Chul Kim at
ONE Fighting Championship: Champion vs. Champion at the
Singapore Indoor Stadium on September 3. This fight was Issa's first as a bantamweight. Although Soo Chul Kil had a record of 4–1, Issa has been described as the toughest opponent he has ever faced. Issa won the fight via unanimous decision. Issa's next fight was against Japanese veteran
Masakazu Imanari at
ONE Fighting Championship: Destiny of Warriors in Kuala Lumpur in June 2012. He won by unanimous decision.
Ultimate Fighting Championship In November 2013, it was announced that Issa had signed a contract with the UFC. His debut took place on January 4, 2014, at
UFC Fight Night: Saffiedine vs. Lim against Russell Doane. He lost the fight via technical submission in the second round. Issa next fought
Jumabieke Tuerxun at
The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale on July 6, 2014. He won the fight via submission due to an armbar in the third round. His efforts earned him his first
Fight of the Night and
Performance of the Night bonuses. Issa fought
Ulka Sasaki on December 20, 2014, at
UFC Fight Night 58. He won the fight in the second round via submission. Issa next faced
Iuri Alcântara on August 1, 2015, at
UFC 190. He lost the fight by unanimous decision. Issa next faced
Taylor Lapilus on September 3, 2016, at
UFC Fight Night 93. He lost the fight by unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the promotion. ==Championships and achievements==