Francimar Barroso’s exit from the UFC came rather unceremoniously after a pair of decision losses – but things have changed rather dramatically since then.

“I believe those two losses were due to details,” Barroso told MMA Junkie in his native Portuguese. “The fight against Gian Villante was very close. He is very tough. And before that, Aleksandar Rakic had great striking. They were two difficult fights.

“I think that maybe against Villante, if I pushed the pace a bit more, I could have scored better, but that’s behind me. Those were not the results I wanted. But I’m correcting things going forward.”

Despite the frustrating UFC run, Barroso insists his focus never wavered.

“What always inspires me to keep fighting is my team, and my teammates – everyone who believes in my work,” Barroso said. “It gives me additional confidence and willpower. My family, my little daughter, and my son – they’re always by my side. My coaches and my students, they give me strength. They’re all my inspiration.”

Barroso has rebounded in fine fashion thus far, scoring a pair of regular season wins in PFL’s 2018 season before battling to a draw with Josh Copeland, who advanced via tiebreaker and eventually reached the season finals before losing to 2018 champ Philipe Lins.

Barroso also ventured to Russia at the completion of PFL’s 2018 season and picked up a win under the Russian Cagefighting Championship banner, as well. He’s also moved to Las Vegas, where he trains with the famed Xtreme Couture camp.

“Being in the PFL has been a wonderful experience,” Barroso said. “Today, I’m living in the U.S., so all is going well. I’m very focused. I’m ready. I’m strong. I feel 10 times tougher than before.”

Barroso (22-7-1) kicks off his 2019 campaign at Thursday’s PFL 2019, Week 3 event, which takes place at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. He meets Alex Nicholson (13-7) in the featured bout of the ESPN2-broadcast preliminary card, which precedes a main card on ESPN+.

“Alex is very tough,” Barroso said. “He’s like me – he likes to go to war. I got ready so I can battle him for three rounds.

“He loves to strike. I also enjoy playing his game. Of course, if the fight goes to the mat, I’m a jiu-jitsu black belt. I’m working hard on my wrestling, too. It’s going to be a scrap, no matter where things go. We’ll put on a show.”

Barroso hopes to replicate his regular season performances of 2018, but he’d like to see things take a better turn in the playoffs. And if he’s able to collect on the $1 million prize that comes with a season title, Barroso said he’ll use it for more than just personal betterment.

“Without a doubt, the grand prize is very important,” Barroso said. “I feel that all fighters wish they were in a $1 million tournament. It’s something that changes lives of a fighter, and of his or her family. Today, I’m already investing my earnings. As a winner, I’ll be able to do even more. I’m already running a social project in Brazil, helping some kids learn martial arts. Some of them are already fighting professionally.”

Of course, it’s not all about charity. Barroso plans to show the world the improvements he’s made since his time in the UFC, and it starts with Nicholson.

“I’d like to thank the PFL for believing in my work,” Barroso said. “I’m also very thankful to all American coaches and fans who have welcomed me with open arms.”

For more on PFL 2019, Week 3, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.