RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, April 19 -- Willian Chiqueirinho (Pictures) won the South American title Saturday at the sixth edition of Andre Pederneiras' Shooto Brazil.

In a bout that was the best of the night, Chiqueirinho took on Giovani Diniz (Pictures). Heavy-handed, Diniz landed with excellent punch combinations and had the early advantage. Chiqueirinho, nevertheless, was not intimidated and responded with his own punches.

During one of several toe-to-toe trades, Chiqueirinho connected with a powerful strike that dropped Diniz and prompted the referee's intervention.

"I've been training a lot for this fight, and all my efforts were worthwhile," Chiqueirinho said. "Now I want to be on top."

Igor Chatubinha (Pictures) faced Sergio Junior in a very active fight. Chatubinha started by taking the bout to the floor and trying to attack Junior's lower body. Junior escaped, though, and retaliated with a guillotine choke. Chatubinha didn't stop for even a moment and, in the second round, he used an anaconda choke to force Junior to submit.

Renan Brandão spent three rounds perfectly neutralizing Willian Viana's game. The fight was equal on the feet, but on the floor Brandão controlled and earned the decision.

Eliene Pit was victorious over Alan Chatuba. Pit was the aggressor, punching with good strikes and eventually knocking down Chatuba, who felt he could not go on and quit.

Amilcar Alves and Ari Marcel kept the same pace of combat from beginning to end. Marcel tried to take down his opponent, but his attempt was defended. Amilcar eventually out-positioned him to win the decision.

Alexandre Pinheiro was responsible for the surprise of the night. He took on tough striker Marlon Moraes, who used his muay Thai well early. Pinheiro kept a short distance, took his opponent to the ground and pounded him out for the win.

Danilo Cherman (Pictures) put on a technical show against Rivanio Aranha in another standout performance. Right away Danilo took Aranha to the ground, passed the guard and took the back before finishing with a rear-naked choke.

Ralf Loren imposed his rhythm on Aquiles de Campos. During the three rounds of the contest, Loren struck well standing and was capable on the ground to capture the decision.

In the first fight of the night, Oto Rodrigues knocked down Rogério Paraíba. However, Paraíba showed a very offensive guard, attacking with a triangle choke and an omoplata. Eventually he finished Rodrigues with a series of punches on the ground.