 Ismail was able to become a professional fighter because of his specially dedicated training, as he had many sponsors and did not have to teach or have another job, unlike most of the other competitors in the country.Wallid was brought to the spotlight in 1991, when he faced Eugênio Tadeu, on an event aired by Rede Globo channel in national television, giving the victory to Ismail in his professional debut.He later went to compete at Universal Vale Tudo Fighting.