Rodrigo Nascimento

Rodrigo Nascimento Ferreira

Mixed martial arts career

Early career 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.

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.

Ultimate Fighting Championship 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.

Nascimento faced Chris Daukaus on October 11, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen. He lost the bout via first minute KO.

Nascimento was scheduled to face Alan Baudot on May 22, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt. However, after Baudot was injured, the bout was moved to UFC on ESPN: Makhachev vs. Moisés held on July 17, 2021. Nascimento won the fight via technical knockout in round two. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award. 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.

Nascimento was scheduled to face Tanner Boser on April 23, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 205. However, Nascimento withdrew from the event for unknown reasons, and he was replaced by Alexander Romanov.

Nascimento was rebooked against Tanner Boser for September 17, 2022, at UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Song. Nascimento won the fight via split decision.

Nascimento faced Ilir Latifi on May 20, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 223. He won the fight via split decision.

Nascimento faced Don'Tale Mayes in a rematch on November 4, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 231. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Nascimento faced former UFC Heavyweight Championship challenger Derrick Lewis on May 11, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 56. After being knocked down, he lost the fight via technical knockout from ground punches in the third round.

Nascimento faced Alexander Romanov on November 2, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 246. Nascimento lost the fight via unanimous decision.

On November 8, 2024, it was reported that Nascimento was removed from the UFC roster.

Professional Fighters League Nascimento debuted with the Professional Fighters League at PFL 4 on May 1, 2025, and defeated Abraham Bably by split decision.

In the semifinals, Nascimento faced Oleg Popov at PFL 7 on June 27, 2025. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Nascimento faced Alexander Romanov in a rematch at PFL Chicago: Pettis vs. McKee, on April 11, 2026. He lost the bout via submission in the second round.

Championships and accomplishments Mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship Performance of the Night (One Time) Loss

Chris Daukaus KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Win

Don'Tale Mayes Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Harris

Jacksonville, Florida, United States Win

Michal Martinek Submission (arm-triangle choke) Dana White's Contender Series 22

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Everton dos Anjos Submission (kimura) JF Fight Evolution 18

Juiz de Fora, Brazil Win

Fabio Moreira Submission (armbar) BH Sparta 10

Belo Horizonte, Brazil Win

Fabricio Nascimento Silva Submission (triangle choke) BH Sparta 8

Belo Horizonte, Brazil Win

Ricardo Jordano TKO (punches) Full House Battle Home 6

Belo Horizonte, Brazil Win

Rafael Caixeta Submission (rear-naked choke) Full House Battle Home 5

Belo Horizonte, Brazil Win

Cicero Augusto TKO (punches) Full House Fight Night

Belo Horizonte, Brazil