Bruno Cappelozza

Cappelozza was born in Jaú, São Paulo, Brazil, where he first began to train in mixed martial arts. He commenced his martial arts journey at the age of 7, participating in disciplines such as karate, judo, and capoeira. Subsequently, he transitioned to Muay Thai, eventually making his debut in MMA.{{Cite web |last=Critchfield |first=Tristen |title=Bruno Cappelozza: Winning PFL Championship 'Happiest & Saddest Day of My Life' |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Bruno-Cappelozza-Winning-PFL-Championship-Happiest-Saddest-Day-of-My-Life-186317 |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=Sherdog |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2015-12-26 |title=Lutador do Corinthians no Rizin, Bruno Cappelozza mira vitórias em GP no Japão |url=https://blogs.gazetaesportiva.com/planeta-octogono/2015/12/26/representante-do-corinthians-no-rizin-bruno-cappelozza-mira-vitorias-em-gp-no-japao/ |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=Planeta Octógono |language=pt-BR}}

Cappelozza made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2010, fighting for an MMA team owned by Brazilian soccer team Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, commonly called Corinthians.{{Cite web |last=Benedicto |first=Alane |date=2022-04-28 |title=Jauense Bruno Cappelozza luta nesta quinta-feira em nova temporada |url=https://conteudo.solutudo.com.br/jau/jauense-bruno-cappelozza-luta-nesta-quinta-feira-em-nova-temporada/ |access-date=2022-05-04 |language=pt-BR}} At Corinithians, Cappelozza trained with former Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight champion Anderson Silva.{{Cite web |last=Ribas |first=Diego |title=Gaviões da Fiel inova e se torna primeira torcida a patrocinar um lutador de MMA |url=http://esportes.r7.com/mais-esportes/noticias/gavioes-da-fiel-inova-e-se-torna-primeira-torcida-a-patrocinar-um-lutador-de-mma-20110929.html?question=0 |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=esportes.r7.com |language=pt-br}}

At the onset of the last decade, Cappelozza emerged as one of the promising talents in Brazilian MMA. Within his initial 10 bouts, he secured the Jungle Fight cruiserweight belt (up to 100 kg), later adding the light heavyweight belt (up to 93 kg) in 2016.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2015-10-25 |title=New Jungle Fight champion enters Rizin tournament |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2015/10/25/9610158/newly-crowned-jungle-fight-champion-enters-rizin-ff-heavyweight |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} Despite these achievements, his two international forays, both at Rizin Fighting Federation in Japan, ended in defeat. Notably, in July 2018, he faced future UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jiří Procházka on July 28, 2018, at Rizin 11, starting strong but ultimately succumbing to a knockout in 1 minute and 23 seconds.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam D. |date=2021-10-28 |title=Bruno Cappelozza reacts after learning his father passed away just minutes after winning PFL heavyweight title |url=https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/professional-fighters-league/bruno-cappelozza-reacts-after-learning-his-father-passed-away-just-minutes-after-winning-pfl-heavyweight-title/ |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=BJPenn.com |language=en-US}}[https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/7/29/17626890/takanori-gomi-knocks-out-melvin-guillard-rizin-11 Takanori Gomi knocks out Melvin Guillard at Rizin 11], MMA Fighting 2018/07/29. Retrieved on 12 July 2020.

Facing defeats and a series of injuries, Bruno, found himself at a career crossroads. Sidelined for months due to hand, knee, and biceps surgeries, his return to the national scene was marred by opponents backing out at the last minute. Pressure from friends and family to reconsider his life direction intensified, especially as he, his wife Jéssica, and son David lived uncomfortably in his parents' house.{{Cite web |date=2021-10-25 |title=Cappelozza supera saudades do filho e humilhações antes de disputa do milhão na PFL |url=https://ge.globo.com/combate/noticia/cappelozza-supera-saudades-do-filho-e-humilhacoes-antes-de-disputa-do-milhao-na-pfl.ghtml |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=ge |language=pt-br}}

Bruno faced humiliation from friends and even lost some who were unsupportive. Despite his mother's suggestion to finish his physical education degree, he remained steadfast in pursuing his fighting career. During a challenging period, he crossed paths with Ronny Markes from Dominance MMA, becoming a sparring partner for Corey Anderson in the US. While the opportunity helped financially, it meant long separations from his family, causing deep emotional strain. In response to travel restrictions amid the new coronavirus pandemic, he opted to remain in Las Vegas for over eight months, which led to his opportunity to appear in the PFL Heavyweight season that commenced in April.

In 2020, Cappelozza signed with the Professional Fighters League and made his debut in the 2021 season.

Cappelozza debuted at PFL 3, scoring a 46-second KO of Ante Delija.{{Cite web |last=Yanofsky |first=Daniel |title=2021 PFL Championship Finals: Bruno Cappelozza beats Ante Delija In A Heavyweight War |url=https://www.fightful.com/mma/results/2021-pfl-championship-finals-bruno-cappelozza-beats-ante-delija-heavyweight-war |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=www.fightful.com |language=en}} He knocked out Muhammad DeReese in the first round of his next fight at PFL 6 to secure the No.1 seed in the 2021 PFL Playoffs.{{Cite web |last=Albuquerque |first=Adriano |title=Bruno Cappelozza não promete nocaute, mas espera "grande luta" na semifinal da PFL |url=https://ge.globo.com/combate/noticia/bruno-cappelozza-nao-promete-nocaute-mas-espera-grande-luta-na-semifinal-da-pfl.ghtml |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=ge |date=19 August 2021 |language=pt-br}}{{Cite web |last=Wells |first=Matthew |date=2021-06-26 |title=2021 PFL 6 video: Bruno Cappelozza unloads a barrage of strikes to knock out Muhammed DeReese |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/06/2021-pfl-6-video-bruno-cappelozza-unloads-barrage-of-strikes-to-ko-muhammed-dereese |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}

In the Semifinals at PFL 8, Cappelozza stopped Jamelle Jones via second-round TKO to earn a place in the finals, opposite Delija, in a rematch from the 2021 PFL Regular Season.{{Cite web |last=King |first=Nolan |title=2021 PFL Championship: Bruno Cappelozza out-brawls Ante Delija in wild, back-and-forth affair |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/2021-pfl-championship-bruno-cappelozza-020903199.html |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=sports.yahoo.com |date=28 October 2021 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Wagenheim |first=Jeff |date=2021-08-20 |title=Kayla Harrison and Bruno Cappelozza dominate in semifinal wins, qualify for $1M PFL championship |url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/32051982/pfl-8-live-updates-results-heavyweight-women-lightweight-semifinals-including-kayla-harrison |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

In the PFL heavyweight championship bout at PFL 10, a back-and-forth battle with multiple knockdowns, Cappelozza defeated Delija by unanimous decision to become the 2021 PFL Heavyweight Champion.{{Cite web |last=Albuquerque |first=Adriano |title=Bruno Cappelozza conta que lembrou "humilhação" após nocaute na PFL |url=https://ge.globo.com/combate/noticia/bruno-cappelozza-conta-que-lembrou-humilhacao-apos-nocaute-na-pfl.ghtml |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=ge |date=12 May 2021 |language=pt-br}}

Immediately following Cappelozza's championship win, he learned via phone that his father, Joao Cappelozza, died three days prior to the PFL Championship.{{Cite web |date=2021-10-29 |title=Campeão do peso-pesado do PFL, Bruno Cappelozza desabafa após perda do pai |url=https://www.espn.com.br/mma/artigo/_/id/9439360/campeao-do-peso-pesado-do-pfl-bruno-cappelozza-desabafa-apos-perda-do-pai |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=ESPN.com |language=pt}} His family withheld the information so he wouldn't be distracted while preparing for the fight.{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Tom |title=How PFL Heavyweight Champion Bruno Cappelozza Plans to Honor His Father's Memory |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2950931-how-pfl-heavyweight-champion-bruno-cappelozza-plans-to-honor-his-fathers-memory |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2021-10-28 |title=Bruno Cappelozza experiences 'happiest and saddest day of my life' after winning PFL title without knowing father had died |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/10/28/22751119/bruno-cappelozza-reacts-happiest-saddest-day-pfl-title-father-died |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}

Cappelozza launched 2022 season with a fight against Stuart Austin at PFL 2, which Cappeloza won in the first round with a knockout.{{Cite web |last=Richardson |first=Andrew |date=2022-04-28 |title=Highlights! Cappelozza Crushes Austin For First-Round KO |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2022/4/28/23047315/highlights-bruno-cappelozza-bulldozes-stuart-austin-first-round-knockout-win-pfl-mma-heavyweight |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=MMAmania.com |language=en}}

In June 2022, at PFL 5, Matheus Scheffel defeated Cappelozza via unanimous decision, in a surprising upset. Despite that loss, Cappelozza still advanced to the playoffs, due to his earlier KO.{{Cite web |last=Meshew |first=Jed |date=2022-06-25 |title=PFL 5 results: Mattheus Scheffel upsets Bruno Cappelozza, Stevie Ray taps Anthony Pettis with twister |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/6/25/23182310/pfl-5-results-mattheus-scheffel-upsets-bruno-cappelozza-stevie-ray-taps-anthony-pettis-with-twister |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} That fight was nominated for “Upset of the Year” in the World MMA Awards.{{Cite web |last= |last2= |date=2022-12-09 |title=14th Annual World MMA Awards: Volkanovski Takes Fighter of the Year |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/12/09/14th-annual-world-mma-awards-volkanovski-takes-fighter-of-the-year/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Boga |first=Andrew |date=2022-12-14 |title=Alexander Volkanovski wins Fighter Of The Year at World MMA Awards in Las Vegas |url=https://www.fightnewsaustralia.com/alexander-volkanovski-wins-fighter-of-the-year-at-world-mma-awards-in-las-vegas/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Fight News Australia |language=en-GB}}

In July 2022, ESPN reported that Cappelozza would no longer compete in the PFL playoffs due to an undisclosed injury. He was replaced by Mattheus Scheffel in the semifinal fight against Denis Goltsov.{{Cite web |last=Raimondi |first=Marc |date=2022-07-28 |title=Sources: Injured Cappelozza out of PFL playoffs |url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/34307450/sources-defending-pfl-heavyweight-champ-bruno-cappelozza-playoffs-undisclosed-injury |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

Cappelozza started off the 2023 PFL season in a rematch against Matheus Scheffel on April 7, 2023, at PFL 2.{{Cite web |last=Dwornik |first=Ardi |date=2023-02-27 |title=Professional Fighters League Announces Full Card For PFL 2: Heavyweights And Women's Featherweights |url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2023/02/professional-fighters-league-announces-full-card-for-pfl-2-heavyweights-and-womens-featherweights/ |access-date=2023-02-28 |website=ESPN Press Room U.S. |language=en-US}} He won the fight via TKO in the first round.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-08 |title=Larissa Pacheco e Bruno Cappelozza vencem e caminham em busca do bi da PFL |url=https://www.superlutas.com.br/noticias/226586/larissa-pacheco-e-bruno-cappelozza-vencem-e-caminham-em-busca-do-bi-da-pfl/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=SUPER LUTAS |language=pt-BR}} On May 9, 2023, it was announced that Cappelozza had failed a commission drug test and was pulled from the season.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2023-05-09 |title=Thiago Santos, Krzysztof Jotko, two others fail drug tests after first half of PFL 2023 season |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/5/9/23715525/thiago-santos-krzysztof-jotko-bruno-cappelozza-rizvan-kuniev-fail-drug-tests-pfl |access-date=2023-05-11 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} At the NAC meeting that month, it was announced that Cappelozza was suspended 9 months for testing positive for Drostanolone and the victory was overturned to a no contest. He was eligible to return on January 7, 2024.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-17 |title=9 PFL fighters face suspensions following failed drug tests in Nevada |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/pfl-drug-tests-nevada-suspensions |access-date=2023-05-18 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}

Cappelozza faced former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Vadim Nemkov on February 24, 2024, at PFL vs. Bellator.{{Cite web|title=Nemkov to enter PFL vs. Bellator event as heavyweight, vacants light heavyweight belt|url=https://www.scrapdigest.com/nemkov-vacants-light-heavyweight-belt/73059/|website=scrapdigest.com |date=17 January 2024 |language=en-US}} He lost by arm-triangle submission in the second round.{{Cite web |title=PFL vs. Bellator: Champions video: Vadim Nemkov puts Bruno Cappelozza to sleep with arm triangle |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/02/pfl-vs-bellator-champions-video-vadim-nemkov-def-bruno-cappelozza-techincal-submission-arm-triangle |website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com |date=24 February 2024 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Dewar |first=Val |date=2024-02-24 |title=PFL vs. Bellator: Vadim Nemkov Submits Bruno Cappelozza in Heavyweight Debut |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/02/24/pfl-vs-bellator-champs-vadim-nemkov-submits-bruno-cappelozza/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Cappelozza was scheduled to face Sergei Bilostenniy on April 4, 2024 at PFL 1.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2024-03-11 |title=PFL announces full line-ups for first 3 season events, 8 ex-Bellator champions debut |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/3/11/24097668/pfl-announces-full-line-up-three-season-events-debut-bellator-champions |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} However, a week before the event it was announced that he had pulled out.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-26 |title=Cappelozza removed from PFL card on April 4 |url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/39816006/bruno-cappelozza-removed-pfl-fight-card-april-4 |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

On August 13, 2024, it was reported that Cappeloza has been suspended for clomiphene and its metabolite desethyl-clomifene as the result of a urine sample collected out-of-competition on April 17, 2024. He was given a 1 year suspension and will be eligible to compete again in April 17, 2025.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/08/12/pfls-bruno-cappelozza-suspended-one-year-by-usada-following-drug-test-failure/|title=PFL’s Bruno Cappelozza Suspended One Year by USADA Following Drug Test Failure|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Jay Anderson|date=2024-08-13|access-date=2024-08-13}}

• Professional Fighters League
• 2021 PFL Heavyweight Championship

{{MMArecordbox

| draws=

| nc= 1

| ko-wins= 14

| sub-wins=

| dec-wins= 1

| ko-losses=2

| sub-losses=3

| dec-losses=1

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=1

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|{{nowrap|15–7 (1)}}

|Vadim Nemkov

|Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke)

|PFL vs. Bellator

|{{dts|2024|February|24}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|2:13

|Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

|{{small|For "PFL vs. Bellator Champion of Champions" Super Belt.}}

|-

|{{nocontest}}NC

|align=center|15–6 (1)

|Matheus Scheffel

|NC (overturned)

|PFL 2 (2023)

|{{dts|2023|April|7}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:15

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Originally a TKO (punches) win for Cappelozza; overturned after he tested positive for drostanolone.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|15–6

|Matheus Scheffel

|Decision (unanimous)

|PFL 5 (2022)

|{{dts|2022|June|24}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Atlanta, Georgia, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|15–5

|Stuart Austin

|TKO (punches)

|PFL 2 (2022)

|{{dts|2022|April|28}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:24

|Arlington, Texas, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|14–5

|Ante Delija

|Decision (unanimous)

|PFL 10 (2021)

|{{dts|2021|October|27}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Hollywood, Florida, United States

|{{small|Won the 2021 PFL Heavyweight Tournament.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|13–5

|Jamelle Jones

|TKO (punches)

|PFL 8 (2021)

|{{dts|2021|August|19}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|1:33

|Hollywood, Florida, United States

|{{small|2021 PFL Heavyweight Tournament Semifinal.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 12–5

| Muhammed DeReese

| TKO (punch and head kick)

| PFL 6 (2021)

| {{dts|2021|06|25}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 2:21

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 11–5

| Ante Delija

| KO (punches)

| PFL 3 (2021)

| {{dts|2021|05|06}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 0:46

| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|{{small|Return to Heavyweight.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center| 10–5

|Jiří Procházka

| KO (punches)

| Rizin 11

| {{dts|2018|July|28}}

| align=center|1

| align=center|1:23

| Saitama, Japan

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 10–4

| Lucas Rosa

| TKO (punches)

| Gladiator MMA 3

| {{dts|2017-10-16}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 3:02

| São Paulo, Brazil

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 9–4

|Devani Martins Jr.

| TKO (knee and punches)

| Demolidor Fight 10

| {{dts|2017-8-12}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 0:07

| São Paulo, Brazil

|{{small|Won the vacant DFMMA Light Heavyweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 8–4

| Klidson Abreu

| TKO (punches)

|Jungle Fight 87

| {{dts|2016-5-21}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 3:08

| São Paulo, Brazil

|{{small|Returnt to Light Heavyweight. Won the vacant Jungle Fight Light Heavyweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center| 7–4

|Teodoras Aukštuolis

|KO (punch)

|Rizin World Grand Prix 2015: Part 1 - Saraba

|{{dts|2015|December|29}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:32

|Saitama, Japan

|{{small|Heavyweight debut. 2015 Rizin Heavyweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 7–3

|Sandro Bezerra

| TKO (punches)

|Jungle Fight 82

| {{dts|2015-10-24}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 4:17

| São Paulo, Brazil

|{{small|Won the vacant Jungle Fight 220 lbs Championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 6–3

|Marco Talebi Paulo

| KO (punches)

| Gladiator MMA 2

| {{dts|2015-7-18}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 0:20

| São Paulo, Brazil

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 5–3

|David Teixeira

| TKO

| Gladiator MMA

| {{dts|2014-10-25}}

|align=center| 2

|align=center| N/A

| São Paulo, Brazil

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 4–3

|Vagner Curió

| TKO (punches)

| Real Fight 9

| {{dts|2013-6-15}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| N/A

| São Paulo, Brazil

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center| 3–3

|Emiliano Sordi

| Submission (guillotine choke)

| Jungle Fight 35

| {{dts|2011-12-17}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 0:34

| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 3–2

|Dirlei Broenstrup

| TKO (retirement)

| Jungle Fight 32

| {{dts|2011-9-10}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 2:46

| São Paulo, Brazil

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 2–2

|Jackson Mora

| KO (punches)

| Jungle Fight 28

| {{dts|2011-5-21}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 4:28

| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 1–2

|Marcelo Cruz

| TKO (leg kicks and punches)

| Jungle Fight 26

| {{dts|2011-4-02}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 1:53

| São Paulo, Brazil

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center| 0–2

|Nelson Martins

| DQ (illegal punches)

| Jungle Fight 24

| {{dts|2010-12-18}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 1:58

| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center| 0–1

|João Paulo Pereira

|Submission (arm-triangle choke)

| Predador FC 17

| {{dts|2010-12-11}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 3:34

| São Paulo, Brazil

|{{small|Light Heavyweight debut.}}

{{end}}

{{cite web |title=Bruno Cappelozza|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Bruno-Cappelozza-74598|website=Sherdog |access-date=1 December 2022 |language=en}}

• List of current PFL fighters
• List of male mixed martial artists

{{reflist}}

• {{Sherdog|74598}}

{{WSOF Title Holders}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cappelozza, Bruno}}

Category:Living people

Category:1989 births

Category:Doping cases in mixed martial arts

Category:Brazilian male mixed martial artists

Category:Heavyweight mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Muay Thai

Category:Professional Fighters League male fighters

Category:Brazilian male Muay Thai practitioners

Category:Sportspeople from Jaú

Category:Martial artists from São Paulo (state)

Category:21st-century Brazilian sportsmen