Rodrigo Nascimento

Born in Belo Horizonte, Nascimento met his mentor, Everton Rabelo de Andrade, at a LAN party while playing video games. Andrade taught kids and young adults martial arts in the city, and invited Nascimento to be part of the team. In October 2010, the teenager entered his gym and started his MMA career.{{Cite web|last=Cruz|first=Guilherme|date=2020-05-16|title=Rodrigo Nascimento happy to honor former coach in UFC: 'He changed my life'|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/5/16/21260908/undefeated-heavyweight-rodrigo-nascimento-honor-late-coach-ufc-dontale-mayes|access-date=2021-07-14|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}}

Starting his professional career in 2012, two months after the death of his mentor, Nascimento got a perfect 8–0 record on the regional Brazilian scene, finishing his opponent in all eight bouts, 4 by submission and 2 by TKO.{{Cite web|last=Sherdog.com|title=Rodrigo Nascimento|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Rodrigo-Nascimento-Ferreira-97975|access-date=2021-07-14|website=Sherdog}}

Nascimento was invited to Dana White's Contender Series 22 and faced Michal Martinek on July 30, 2019. He won the bout via arm triangle in the first round, gaining a UFC contract in the process.{{Cite web|last=Martin|first=Damon|date=2019-07-30|title=Dana White's Contender Series results season 3, week 6: Flying knee KOs highlight latest episode|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/7/30/20748099/dana-whites-contender-series-results-season-3-week-6-flying-knee-kos-highlight-latest-episode|access-date=2021-07-12|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}}

Nascimento faced Don'Tale Mayes on May 16, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Harris. He won the bout via second round rear naked choke.{{Cite web|last=McClory|first=Mike|date=2020-05-13|title=UFC on ESPN 8: Rodrigo Nascimento Discusses Debut Win, Chase Sherman Callout|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/05/20/ufc-on-espn-8-rodrigo-nascimento/|access-date=2020-05-14|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}

Nascimento faced Chris Daukaus on October 11, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen. He lost the bout via first minute KO.{{Cite web|last=Doherty|first=Dan|date=2020-10-10|title=UFC Fight Island 5 Results: Chris Daukaus Runs Through Rodrigo Nascimento|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/10/10/ufc-fight-island-5-results-chris-daukaus/|access-date=2020-10-11|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}

Nascimento was scheduled to face Alan Baudot on May 22, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt.{{Cite web|author=Staff|date=2021-02-28|title=French Alan Baudot returns to the UFC on May 22!|url=https://lasueur.com/alan-baudot-ufc-28-2-2021|access-date=2021-05-09|publisher=lasueur.com}} {{in lang|fr}} However, after Baudot was injured, the bout was moved to UFC on ESPN: Makhachev vs. Moisés held on July 17, 2021.{{Cite web|author=Sergio Pineiro|date=2021-05-07|title=BREAKING: Heavyweight bout between Alan Baudot and Rodrigo Nascimento pushed to July 17|url=https://fighterpath.com/2021/05/07/breaking-heavyweight-bout-between-alan-baudot-and-rodrigo-nascimiento-pushed-to-july-17/|access-date=2021-05-08|publisher=fighterpath.com}} Nascimento won the fight via technical knockout in round two.{{Cite web|last=Behunin|first=Alex|date=2021-07-17|title=UFC Vegas 31 Results: Rodrigo Nascimento Stops Alan Baudot In Second Round Comeback|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/07/17/ufc-vegas-31-results-rodrigo-nascimento-stops-alan-baudot-in-the-second-round/|access-date=2021-07-18|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}} This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web|date=2021-07-18|title=UFC on ESPN 26 bonuses: Miesha Tate gets extra $50,000 in return from retirement|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-on-espn-26-bonuses-miesha-tate-return-from-retirement-50000|access-date=2021-07-18|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}} However, Nascimento’s urine test from the fight tested positive for ritalinic acid, a metabolite of psychostimulant drugs methylphenidate and ethylphenidate. As a result, Nascimento received a six-month suspension, retroactive to the test. He was also fined a total of $1,945.36, for the violation and subsequent legal fees. The bout was also overturned to a no contest.{{Cite web|date=2021-09-22|title=Three UFC fighters suspended by NAC for positive drug tests including amphetamine, marijuana, more|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-news-drug-suspensions-daniel-pineda-rodrigo-nascimento-chris-barnett-amphetamine-marijuana|access-date=2021-09-23|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}

Nascimento was scheduled to face Tanner Boser on April 23, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 205.{{Cite web|date=2022-01-27|title=Boser treft Nascimento op 23 april in de UFC|url=https://www.eurosport.nl/mixed-martial-arts/ufc/2022/boser-treft-nascimento-op-23-april-in-de-ufc_sto8741596/story.shtml|access-date=2022-01-27|website=Eurosport|language=nl}} However, Nascimento withdrew from the event for unknown reasons, and he was replaced by Alexander Romanov.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-22 |title=UFC Vegas 52 Romanov fills in for Nascimento against Boser |url=https://www.eurosport.nl/mixed-martial-arts/ufc/2022/ufc-vegas-52-romanov-valt-in-voor-nascimento-tegen-boser_sto8856578/story.shtml |author=Marcel Dorff|access-date=2022-03-23 |website=Eurosport |language=nl}}

Nascimento was rebooked against Tanner Boser for September 17, 2022, at UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Song.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2022-06-26 |title=Tanner Boser vs. Rodrigo Nascimento in the works for UFC event on Sept. 17 |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/6/26/23184189/tanner-boser-rodrigo-nascimento-in-the-works-ufc-event-september-17 |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} Nascimento won the fight via split decision.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2022-09-17 |title=UFC Vegas 60: Rodrigo Nascimento Takes Split Decision Over Tanner Boser |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/09/17/ufc-vegas-60-tanner-boser-vs-rodrigo-nascimento/ |access-date=2022-09-18 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Nascimento faced Ilir Latifi on May 20, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 223.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightbookmma.com/ilir-latifi-meets-rodrigo-nascimento-at-heavyweight-for-ufc-fight-night-on-may-20th/|title=Ilir Latifi meets Rodrigo Nascimento at heavyweight for UFC Fight Night on May 20th|website=FightBookMMA.com|date=2023-02-22|access-date=2023-02-23}} He won the fight via split decision.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2023-05-20 |title=UFC Vegas 73: Rodrigo Nascimento Claims Second Straight Split Decision, Over Ilir Latifi |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/05/20/ufc-vegas-73-ilir-latifi-vs-rodrigo-nascimento/ |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Nascimento faced Don'Tale Mayes in a rematch on November 4, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 231.{{cite web |last=Raghuwanshi |first=Vipin |title=Rodrigo Nascimento vs Don'Tale Mayes Rematch Targetted for UFC Nov 4 |url=https://www.itnwwe.com/mma/rodrigo-nascimento-dontale-mayes-rematch-targetted-ufc-nov-4/ |website=ITN WWE |access-date=22 August 2023 |date=7 August 2023}} He won the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2023-11-04 |title=UFC Sao Paulo: Rodrigo Nascimento Starts Hot, Wins Decision Over Don'Tale Mayes |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/11/04/ufc-sao-paulo-rodrigo-nascimento-starts-hot-wins-decision-over-dontale-mayes/ |access-date=2023-11-05 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Nascimento faced former UFC Heavyweight Championship challenger Derrick Lewis on May 11, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 56.{{Cite web |last=Heck |first=Mike |date=2024-03-30 |title=Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento announced as UFC St. Louis headliner |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/3/30/24116656/derrick-lewis-vs-rodrigo-nascimento-announced-as-ufc-st-louis-headliner |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} After being knocked down, he lost the fight via technical knockout from ground punches in the third round.{{Cite web |last=Richardson |first=Andrew |date=2024-05-11 |title=‘Black Beast’ Batters Nascimento In Record-Setting KO |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2024/5/11/24154270/ufc-st-louis-results-derrick-lewis-demolishes-rodrigo-nascimento-scores-record-setting-knockout |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=MMAmania.com |language=en}}

Nascimento faced Alexander Romanov on November 2, 2024 at UFC Fight Night 246.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/08/ufc-edmonton-news-derrick-lewis-alexandr-romanov-jhonata-diniz-rodrigo-nascimento|title=UFC splits Edmonton co-main event: Derrick Lewis, Alexandr Romanov get new opponents|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Nolan King and Farah Hannoun|date=2024-08-20|access-date=2024-08-20}} Nascimento lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |last=Hester |first=Bryson |date=2024-11-02 |title=Alexandr Romanov Grinds Nascimento To Decision Win |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/11/02/alexandr-romanov-grinds-nascimento-to-decision-win/ |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

On November 8, 2024, it was reported that Nascimento was removed from the UFC roster.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/11/8/24291347/ufc-edmonton-aftermath-sees-2-more-fighters-part-ways-with-promotion|title=UFC Edmonton aftermath sees 2 more fighters part ways with promotion|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=2024-11-08|access-date=2024-11-08}}

Nascimento debued with the Professional Fighters League at PFL 4 on May 1, 2025 and defeated Abraham Bably by split decision.{{Cite web|url=https://pflmma.com/news/rodrigo-nascimento-edges-out-a-split-decision-in-backandforth-battle-to-score-semifinals-spot|title=Rodrigo Nascimento edges out a split decision in back-and-forth battle to score semifinals spot|publisher=pflmma.com|author=Thomas Albano|date=2025-05-01|access-date=2025-05-01}}

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• Performance of the Night (One Time) {{small|vs. Alan Baudot}}

{{MMArecordbox

| draws=

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| ko-wins= 2

| sub-wins= 6

| dec-wins= 4

| ko-losses= 2

| sub-losses=

| dec-losses= 1

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

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}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|12–3 (1)

|Abraham Bably

|Decision (split)

|PFL 4 (2025)

|{{dts|2025|May|01}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Orlando, Florida, United States

|{{small|2025 PFL Heavyweight Tournament Quarterfinal.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|11–3 (1)

|Alexander Romanov

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Albazi

|{{dts|2024|November|02}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|11–2 (1)

|Derrick Lewis

|TKO (punches)

|UFC on ESPN: Lewis vs. Nascimento

|{{dts|2024|May|11}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|0:49

|St. Louis, Missouri, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|11–1 (1)

|Don'Tale Mayes

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Lewis

|{{dts|2023|November|04}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|São Paulo, Brazil

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|{{nowrap|10–1 (1)}}

|Ilir Latifi

|Decision (split)

|UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Hill

|{{dts|2023|May|20}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|9–1 (1)

|Tanner Boser

|Decision (split)

|UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Song

|{{dts|2022|September|17}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{nocontest}}NC

|align=center|8–1 (1)

|Alan Baudot

|NC (overturned)

|UFC on ESPN: Makhachev vs. Moisés

|{{dts|2021|July|17}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|1:29

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Performance of the Night. Originally a TKO (punches) win for Nascimento; overturned after he tested positive for ritalinic acid.{{Cite web|date=2021-09-22|title=Three UFC fighters suspended by NAC for positive drug tests including amphetamine, marijuana, more|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-news-drug-suspensions-daniel-pineda-rodrigo-nascimento-chris-barnett-amphetamine-marijuana|access-date=2021-09-23|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center|8–1

| Chris Daukaus

|KO (punches)

|UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen

|{{dts|2020|October|11}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:45

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 8–0

| Don'Tale Mayes

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Harris

|{{dts|2020|May|16}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|2:05

|Jacksonville, Florida, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 7–0

| Michal Martinek

|Submission (arm-triangle choke)

| Dana White's Contender Series 22

| {{dts|2019|July|30}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 3:16

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center|6–0

|Everton dos Anjos

|Submission (kimura)

|JF Fight Evolution 18

|{{dts|2017.10.07}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:39

|Juiz de Fora, Brazil

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center|5–0

|Fabio Moreira

|Submission (armbar)

|BH Sparta 10

|{{dts|2016.11.19}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|3:00

|Belo Horizonte, Brazil

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 4–0

| Fabricio Nascimento Silva

|Submission (triangle choke)

|BH Sparta 8

|{{dts|2016.04.15}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:14

|Belo Horizonte, Brazil

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center|3–0

| Ricardo Jordano

|TKO (punches)

| Full House Battle Home 6

|{{dts|2014.03.29}}

| align=center|1

| align=center|0:39

|Belo Horizonte, Brazil

|{{small|Catchweight (231 lb) bout.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 2–0

| Rafael Caixeta

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

|Full House Battle Home 5

|{{dts|2013.04.21}}

| align=center|1

| align=center|2:43

|Belo Horizonte, Brazil

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center|1–0

| Cicero Augusto

| TKO (punches)

|Full House Fight Night

|{{dts|2012.03.24}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:42

|Belo Horizonte, Brazil

|

{{end}}

{{Cite web|last=Sherdog.com|title=Rodrigo Nascimento|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Rodrigo-Nascimento-Ferreira-97975|access-date=2020-08-07|website=Sherdog}}

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

{{reflist}}

• {{Sherdog|97975}} *
• {{UFC|rodrigo-nascimento-ferreira}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nascimento, Rodrigo}}

Category:1992 births

Category:Living people

Category:Brazilian male mixed martial artists

Category:Heavyweight mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters

Category:Brazilian practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Martial artists from Belo Horizonte

Category:Martial artists from Minas Gerais

Category:21st-century Brazilian sportsmen