Raush Manfio

Manfio was born in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil on November 3, 1991. Raush, a professional MMA fighter since 2011, initially lived a carefree lifestyle as a "playboy" in Brazil. After a setback in the TUF Brasil qualifiers, he sought improvement, joining American Top Team in Florida. Struggling with finances and unable to bring his wife initially, the church community stepped in to help, allowing her to join him. Despite early success in Titan FC, visa issues and financial struggles followed. Raush took odd jobs, learning construction skills, and faced setbacks, including a title loss. Frustratingly, he went without fights for three years, facing financial difficulties with a growing family.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2018-06-29 |title=Being in the right place at the right time saved Titan FC champion Raush Manfio's career |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/6/29/17090098/right-place-time-saved-titan-fc-champion-raush-manfio-career-mma |access-date=2022-05-06 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2022-01-05 |title=MMA Junkie's 2021 Newcomer of the Year: Raush Manfio |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/01/mma-2021-newcomer-of-year-raush-manfio-pfl |access-date=2022-06-03 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}} Despite contemplating a career change, Raush's wife, Michele, urged him to persist. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened their situation in 2020. Considering a shift away from fighting, Raush gave himself an ultimatum, planning to quit with his manager's encouragement. However, his manager insisted on one more month, supporting him financially and expressing belief in his potential championship. He was eventually signed as a late replacement for the PFL season.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2021-04-20 |title=PFL newcomer Raush Manfio offered to fight for free during three-year layoff |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/4/20/22392405/pfl-newcomer-raush-manfio-fight-for-free-layoff-natan-schulte |access-date=2022-06-03 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Seis anos de "perrengue": Raush Manfio e o caminho à disputa do prêmio milionário da PFL |url=https://ge.globo.com/combate/noticia/seis-anos-de-perrengue-raush-manfio-e-o-caminho-a-disputa-do-premio-milionario-da-pfl.ghtml |access-date=2022-06-03 |website=ge |language=pt-br}}{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2018-06-29 |title=Being in the right place at the right time saved Titan FC champion Raush Manfio's career |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/6/29/17090098/right-place-time-saved-titan-fc-champion-raush-manfio-career-mma |access-date=2022-06-03 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}

Manfio is best friends with two-time PFL Lightweight champion Natan Schulte. Schulte is the godfather of Manfio’s daughter.{{Cite web |last=Johnny |first=Jack |date=2021-06-07 |title=Mikhail Odintsov out, Natan Schulte to face teammate Raush Manfio - MMA Root |url=https://mma-root.com/mikhail-odintsov-out-natan-schulte-to-face-teammate-raush-manfio-mma-root/ |access-date=2022-05-06 |website=MMA Root |language=en-US}}

Manfio began competing in professional MMA in 2011 in his native Brazil, with a win against Demetro Borges in Brazil's Valiant FC 8 promotion.

In March 2015, it was announced that Manfio was one of the fighters selected to be on the UFC reality show The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4.{{cite web |author=Guilherme Cruz |date=March 18, 2015 |title=The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4 cast announced |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/3/18/8244077/the-ultimate-fighter-brazil-4-cast-announced |access-date=March 18, 2015 |publisher=mmafighting.com}} Manfio was eliminated by eventual lightweight season winner Glaico França.{{Cite web |title=UFC - The Ultimate Fighter Brazil Season 4 Elimination Fights |url=https://www.sherdog.com/events/UFC-The-Ultimate-Fighter-Brazil-Season-4-Elimination-Fights-54227 |website=Sherdog}}

After losing on the Ultimate Fighter, He found his way to American Top Team with the support of MMA veteran Carlos Barreto, and it was during this time that he received a glimmer of hope from a friend's promise of sponsorship. It seemed like a lifeline to continue his journey in the U.S.

However, the promise of sponsorship turned out to be a mirage. With no money and no options, Manfio made a bold choice to leave the U.S. behind. But fate had other plans. As he lived in one of the apartments provided by ATT and befriended Adriano Moraes, a ONE Championship fighter, an unexpected opportunity presented itself. Moraes needed a cornerman for his fight in Myanmar, and Manfio stepped up.

That experience reignited Manfio's passion for fighting, and it was through Moraes' manager, Alex Davis, that he received an offer that changed his trajectory. A fight at Titan FC was on the table, and Manfio seized it.

He debuted in the United States at Titan FC in 2016.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/events/Titan-FC-39-Cavalcante-vs-Healy-52709|title=Titan FC 39 - Cavalcante vs. Healy|website=Sherdog}} From November 2017 to June 2018, he held the role of Titan FC lightweight champion, after defeating Chazz Walton via knockout in the first round.{{Cite web |last=Crist |first=Adam |date=2018-06-26 |title=Sidney Outlaw discusses Titan FC lightweight title fight opportunity |url=https://mymmanews.com/sidney-outlaw-titan-fight/ |access-date=2022-06-03 |website=MyMMANews |language=en-US}} He lost the title to Sidney Outlaw at Titan FC 50.{{Cite web |last=Knapp |first=Brian |title=5 Things You Might Not Know About Raush Manfio |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/5-Things-You-Might-Not-Know-About-Raush-Manfio-183831 |access-date=2022-06-03 |website=Sherdog |language=en}} However, a disappointing loss and inadequate compensation for his efforts forced him to take a job in construction to fund his work visa. Before signing with PFL, Manfio hadn't fought in three years and was working teaching MMA and as a janitor.{{Cite web |last=McCarson |first=Kelsey |date=2021-07-27 |title=2021 PFL Playoffs: Raush Manfio Thought His Career Was Over |url=https://heavy.com/sports/ufc/2021-pfl-playoffs-raush-manfio-thought-career-was-over/ |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=Heavy.com |language=en-US}}

Manfio made his PFL debut as a short notice replacement for Olivier Aubin-Mercier against Joilton Lutterbach on April 23, 2021 at PFL 1.{{cite web |last1=Cruz |first1=Guilherme |date=23 March 2021 |title=Raush Manfio replaces injured Olivier Aubin-Mercier against Joilton Lutterbach at April 23 PFL card |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/3/23/22347181/raush-manfio-replaces-injured-olivier-aubin-mercier-joilton-lutterbach-pfl |access-date=23 March 2021 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} He won the bout via split decision.

After being initially booked as a short notice replacement for Mikhail Odintsov against his teammate Natan Schulte at PFL 4 on June 10, 2021, Manfio was later rebooked against Anthony Pettis at PFL 6 on June 25, 2021 after Pettis pulled out of his previous bout due to illness.{{Cite web |title=Anthony Pettis passa mal e é retirado de card do PFL 4; Natan Schulte o substitui |url=https://www.uol.com.br/esporte/ultimas-noticias/ag-fight/2021/06/09/anthony-pettis-passa-mal-e-e-retirado-de-card-do-pfl-4-natan-schulte-o-substitui.htm |access-date=2021-06-09 |website=www.uol.com.br |language=pt-br}} Manfio won the close bout via split decision.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2021-06-26 |title=PFL 6: Anthony Pettis Out of Playoffs, Upset by Raush Manfio |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/06/26/pfl-6-anthony-pettis-vs-raush-manfio/ |access-date=2021-06-26 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

In the semi-finals of the Lightweight tournament, Manfio faced Clay Collard on August 13, 2021 at PFL 7.{{Cite web |last=Newswire |first=MMA Fighting |date=2021-07-20 |title=PFL playoff cards announced with first event kicking off Aug. 13 with Rory MacDonald vs. Ray Cooper in main event |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/7/20/22585279/pfl-playoff-cards-announced-first-event-aug-13-with-rory-macdonald-vs-ray-cooper-in-main-event |access-date=2021-07-20 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} Manfio won the bout via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |date=2021-08-13 |title=Ray Cooper locks up PFL championship rematch against Magomed Magomedkerimov |url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/32016651/pfl-7-live-updates-results-welterweight-lightweight-semifinals-including-rory-macdonald-ray-cooper-iii |access-date=2021-08-14 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

Manfio faced Loik Radzhabov in the Finals of the Lightweight tournament on 27 October 2021 at PFL 10.{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Mookie |date=2021-08-28 |title=Here are the six tournament finals for the PFL 2021 season finale |url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2021/8/28/22646143/mma-news-six-tournament-finals-pfl-2021-season-finale |access-date=2021-09-27 |website=Bloody Elbow |language=en}} He won the bout via unanimous decision, winning the 2021 PFL Lightweight Tournament and $1 million dollar prize.{{Cite web |date=2021-10-27 |title=2021 PFL Championship results: Raush Manfio tops Loik Radzhabov in classic slugfest |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/10/2021-pfl-championship-results-raush-manfio-vs-loik-radzhabov |access-date=2022-06-03 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}

In February 2021, YouTuber Jake Paul hired Manfio to spar with him in preparation for Paul's fight against former Bellator and ONE Welterweight Champion Ben Askren.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2021-02-18 |title=MMA fighter Raush Manfio spars with Jake Paul, sees no path to victory for Ben Askren |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/2/18/22274242/mma-fighter-raush-manfio-sparring-jake-paul-victory-ben-askren-boxing-youtube |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} As of 2022, Manfio trains at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida.{{Cite web |last=Kontek |first=Riley |title=PFL 2022: Previewing the Men's Lightweight Field |url=https://combatpress.com/2022/04/pfl-2022-previewing-the-mens-lightweight-field/ |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=Combat Press |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2021-06-25 |title=Raush Manfio: Anthony Pettis is 'going downhill,' and 'I want his head' at PFL 6 |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/6/25/22545273/raush-manfio-anthony-pettis-going-downhill-i-want-his-head-pfl-6 |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}

Manfio faced Don Madge on April 23, 2022 at PFL 1.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-22 |title=Manfio vs. Madge to headline PFL season kickoff |url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/33570255/raush-manfio-vs-don-magic-man-madge-headline-professional-fighters-league-2022-season-kickoff-former-ufc-champ-anthony-pettis-myles-price-co-main-event |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} In a comeback fashion, Manfio won the bout after dropping Madge in the third round and finishing with ground and pound.{{Cite web |last1=Anderson |first1=Jay |date=2022-04-20 |title=PFL 1 2022: Raush Manfio Stuns Don Madge With Third-Round KO In Otherwise Tepid Affair |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/04/20/pfl-1-2022-don-madge-vs-raush-manfio/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=2022-04-20 |title=Raush Manfio recounts cleaning offices and borrowing money just to survive before becoming PFL champion |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/4/20/23032578/raush-manfio-recounts-cleaning-offices-and-borrowing-money-just-survive-before-becoming-pfl-champion |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}

Manfio faced Olivier Aubin-Mercier on June 17, 2022 at PFL 4.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-18 |title=Collard to face Martinez in PFL second round |url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/33937912/clay-collard-face-alexander-martinez-pfl-second-round |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} He lost the bout via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-17 |title=PFL : Olivier Aubin-Mercier se paie le champion en titre |url=http://www.rds.ca/combat/ufc/pfl-olivier-aubin-mercier-affronte-raush-manfio-dans-le-cadre-du-gala-pfl-4-1.15926580 |access-date=2022-06-18 |website=RDS.ca |language=fr}}

Manfio started off the 2023 season against Alex Martinez on April 14, 2023, at PFL 3.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-02 |title=Loughnane-Moraes to kick off 2023 PFL season |url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/35576696/brendan-loughnane-marlon-moraes-kick-2023-pfl-season |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} He won the bout via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |last=Sherdog.com |title=2023 PFL 3 Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/2023-PFL-3-PlaybyPlay-Results-Round-Scoring-189687#raush-manfio-(1558)-alex-martinez-(155.2) |access-date=2023-04-22 |website=Sherdog |language=en}}

Manfio faced Natan Schulte on June 23, 2023 at PFL 6.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Alexander K. |date=2023-05-12 |title=PFL announces second-half event lineups following 9 fighters receiving drug test suspensions |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/5/12/23721590/pfl-announces-second-half-event-lineups-following-9-fighters-receiving-drug-test-suspensions |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} Manfio lost via a unanimous decision in a fight that saw both men, who openly state to be best friends, refuse to engage.{{Cite web |last=Al-Shatti |first=Shaun |date=2023-06-24 |title=PFL 6 results: Olivier Aubin-Mercier advances with wicked knee knockout; Shane Burgos misses playoffs |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/6/24/23772126/pfl-6-results-olivier-aubin-mercier-advances-wicked-knee-knockout-shane-burgos-misses-playoffs |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} Following the fight, PFL suspended both fighters, saying in a statement that "All fighters in their PFL Fight Agreements agree to use their best efforts ... skills and abilities as a professional athlete to compete ... and defeat any opponent. It was very clear that Natan and Raush did not meet that contractual standard in yesterday’s bout."{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Alexander K. |date=2023-06-24 |title=Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio suspended by PFL for substandard fight, Shane Burgos now in playoffs |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/6/24/23772385/natan-schulte-and-raush-manfio-suspended-by-pfl-for-substandard-fight-shane-burgos-now-in-playoffs |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}

On October 6, 2023, Manfio announced on his social media that he was no longer with PFL.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2023-11-06 |title=Raush Manfio parts ways with PFL after controversial Natan Schulte fight |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/11/6/23949185/raush-manfio-parts-ways-with-pfl-controversial-fight-natan-schulte |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}

• Professional Fighters League
• 2021 PFL Lightweight Championship
• Titan FC
• Titan FC Lightweight Championship (One time)
• One successful title defence

{{MMArecordbox

| draws=

| nc=

| ko-wins= 8

| ko-losses= 1

| sub-wins=

| sub-losses= 1

| dec-wins= 9

| dec-losses= 5

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|17–7

|Bibert Tumenov

|KO (punch)

|ACA 182

|{{dts|2024|December|14}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:20

|Moscow, Russia

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|17–6

|Dan Moret

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|XFC: Detroit Grand Prix 2

|{{dts|2024|May|31}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:59

|Detroit, Michigan, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center| 17–5

|Natan Schulte

|Decision (unanimous)

|PFL 6 (2023)

|{{dts|2023|June|23}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Atlanta, Georgia, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 17–4

|Alexander Martinez

|Decision (unanimous)

|PFL 3 (2023)

|{{dts|2023|April|14}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center| 16–4

|Olivier Aubin-Mercier

|Decision (unanimous)

|PFL 4 (2022)

|{{dts|2022|June|17}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Atlanta, Georgia, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 16–3

|Don Madge

|TKO (punches)

|PFL 1 (2022)

|{{dts|2022|April|20}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 2:42

|Arlington, Texas, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 15–3

|Loik Radzhabov

|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 Lightweight Tournament.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 14–3

|Clay Collard

|Decision (unanimous)

|PFL 7 (2021)

|{{dts|2021|August|13}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Hollywood, Florida, United States

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

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 13–3

|Anthony Pettis

|Decision (split)

|PFL 6 (2021)

|{{dts|2021|June|25}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 12–3

|Joilton Lutterbach

|Decision (split)

|PFL 1 (2021)

|{{dts|2021|April|23}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 5:00

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center| 11–3

|Sidney Outlaw

|Decision (unanimous)

|Titan FC 50

|{{dts|2018|June|29}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 5:00

|Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States

|{{small|Lost the Titan FC Lightweight Championship. Outlaw missed weight (159.9 lb) and was ineligible to win title.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 11–2

|Lee Henry Lilly

|Decision (unanimous)

|Titan FC 48

|{{dts|2018|February|16}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 5:00

|Coral Gables, Florida, United States

|{{small|Defended the Titan FC Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 10–2

|Chazz Walton

|KO (punch)

|Titan FC 46

|{{dts|2017|November|17}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 3:08

|Pembroke Pines, United States

|{{small|Won the Titan FC Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 9–2

|Martin Brown

|Decision (unanimous)

|Titan FC 45

|{{dts|2017|August|18}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 5:00

|Pembroke Pines, Florida, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center| 8–2

|Matt Frevola

|Decision (unanimous)

|Titan FC 43

|{{dts|2017|January|21}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Coral Gables, Florida, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 8–1

|Demarques Jackson

|TKO (punches and elbows)

|Titan FC 41

|{{dts|2016|September|9}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 1:42

|Coral Gables, Florida, United States

|{{small|Return to Lightweight.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 7–1

|Luis Zequeira

|KO (knee)

|Titan FC 39

|{{dts|2016|June|10}}

|align=center| 2

|align=center| 4:52

|Coral Gables, Florida, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (150 lb) bout.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 6–1

|Douglas Saraiva

|TKO (doctor stoppage)

|Gringo Super Fight 10

|{{dts|2014|April|27}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 5:00

|Nova Iguaçu, Brazil

|{{small|Featherweight debut.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 5–1

|Oton Jasse

|Decision (unanimous)

|Face to Face 6

|{{dts|2014|January|21}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 5:00

|Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center| 4–1

|Fernando dos Santos

|Decision (unanimous)

|Watch Out Combat Show 29

|{{dts|2013|September|20}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 5:00

|Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 4–0

|Patrick Gomes Silva

|Decision (unanimous)

|Circuito Team Nogueira de MMA 3

|{{dts|2013|May|24}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 5:00

|Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 3–0

|Tiago Rocha

|TKO (punches)

|Conquista Kombat Championship

|{{dts|2012|November|17}}

|align=center| 2

|align=center| 0:53

|Vitória da Conquista, Brazil

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 2–0

|Marcilio Villas Boas

|KO (knee)

|Black Belt Fight

|{{dts|2012|June|2}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|N/A

|Vitória da Conquista, Brazil

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 1–0

|Demetro Borges

|KO (knee)

|Valiant Fighters Championship 8

|{{dts|2011|December|08}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 2:49

|Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

|{{small|Lightweight debut.}}

|-

{{end}}

{{MMA exhibition record box

| draws=

| nc=

| ko-wins=

| ko-losses=

| sub-wins=

| sub-losses= 1

| dec-wins=

| dec-losses=

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 0–1

| Glaico França

| Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

| The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4

| February 2, 2015

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 2:46

| Las Vegas, United States

| {{small|TUF: Brazil 4 house entry bout.}}

{{end}}

{{cite web|title=Raush Manfio|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Raush-Manfio-109031 |website=Sherdog|access-date=3 June 2022|language=en}}

• List of male mixed martial artists

{{reflist}}

• {{Sherdog|109031}}

{{WSOF Title Holders}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Manfio, Raush}}

Category:1991 births

Category:Living people

Category:Brazilian male mixed martial artists

Category:Lightweight mixed martial artists

Category:Martial artists from São Paulo

Category:21st-century Brazilian sportsmen