 Morães began his career at small rodeos throughout Brazil, eventually becoming a regular winner on that circuit.After being encouraged by a former PRCA bull riding world champion, Charles Sampson, he set a goal of riding full-time in the United States.After winning Brazilian national titles in 1992 and 1993, he moved to the United States in 1994, riding on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), Bull Riders Only (BRO) and Professional Bull Riders (PBR) circuits.