Viana decided to begin training in mixed martial arts in 2010 after admiring the sport for several years and having trained in Tae Kwon Do since he was 12 years old and in Boxing and Wing Chun since age of 21. In 2005, he took up Brazilian jiu-jitsu before he began his MMA training with Champions Team MMA in his hometown of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Wolverine did not spend long on the amateur circuit, only competing in one fight before turning professional only a few months later. He made his professional debut on May 26, 2010 against Marcelo Santos at a Win Fight and Entertainment event. Hugo won the fight via unanimous decision after three rounds. He fought on the next Win Fight card in August 2010 against Marcelo Palombo de Souza, winning the fight via split decision. From November 2010 to September 2011 Hugo fought three times, winning all three fights via unanimous decision to bring his record to 5-0. He tried out for a spot on the first installment of and was selected.
In March 2012, it was revealed that Wolverine was selected to be a participant on . He defeated Alexandre Ramos via TKO in the first round to move into the Ultimate Fighter house, and become an official cast member. Viana was selected as the second pick by Vitor Belfort, to be a part of Team Vitor. In the first round of the tournament, Hugo was selected to fight Marcos Vina of Team Wanderlei. After two close rounds, Wolverine was announced the winner via unanimous decision. In the semi-finals, Hugo fought Rony Mariano Bezerra, losing the fight via unanimous decision, thus eliminating him from the tournament.
Viana made his UFC debut on June 23, 2012 at UFC 147 against John Teixeira. The fight was contested at a catchweight of 150 lbs. after Teixeira missed weight. He won the fight via split decision. Viana dropped down to the Bantamweight division for his next fight on December 15, 2012 at The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale against Reuben Duran. He won the fight via KO in the first round. Viana was expected to face Francisco Rivera on April 20, 2013 at UFC on Fox 7. However, Rivera was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by T.J. Dillashaw. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round. Viana was expected to face Johnny Bedford on September 4, 2013 at UFC Fight Night 28. However, Bedford pulled out of the bout citing an injury and was replaced by Wilson Reis. However, just days before the event, Viana was forced out of the bout with an injury, removing their fight from the card altogether. Viana faced Junior Hernandez at UFC on Fox 10. He won the fight via unanimous decision. Viana faced Aljamain Sterling on July 16, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 45. He lost the fight via TKO in the third round. Viana faced Guido Canetti on August 1, 2015 at UFC 190. He lost the fight by unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the promotion.
