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Light Heavyweight Division

Active

"The Lion"

Rafael Cerqueira

Light Heavyweight Division

11-1-0 (W-L-D)

8

Wins by Knockout

2

Wins by Submission

8

First Round Finishes

Rafael Cerqueira

athlete record

Info

Learn more about Rafael Cerqueira's UFC history, fighter facts, and Q&A below.

Status
Active
Place of Birth
Salvador, Brazil
Age
34
Height
75.00
Weight
203.00
Octagon Debut
Oct. 26, 2024
  • Pro since 2019
     
  • Eight wins by KO, two by submission (2 arm triangle)
     
  • Eight first-round finishes
     
  • Four wins in 77 seconds or less

UFC 308 (10/26/24) Cerqueira was stopped by Ibo Aslan via strikes at :51 of the first round

When and why did you start training to fight? I had my first amateur MMA fight, I liked it, and from then on I began to believe that I could use it to change my life. My teacher Tiago Jacare, from the CTJ team, started a partnership with the Galpao da Luta team, and today I represent both the CTJ and Galpao da Luta teams.

What professional titles have you held? Demo Fight 93 kg champion

Any achievements in amateur combat sports? 2-0 record in amateur MMA

Any belts/rankings in grappling disciplines? Multi-time champion in Jiu-Jitsu in Bahia

Any belts/rankings in striking disciplines? I fought in Karate, Tae Kwon Do and Muay Thai competitions when I was a teenager

What was your toughest fight so far and why? Against Fernando Filho in Qualify Combat, because it was the only fight to go the distance!

Who is your favorite fighter and why? Jon Jones, because he is a complete guy, with the use of knees and elbows, always being unpredictable. He is an athlete that I try to copy/

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked in sales, and had to travel a lot to other states, selling candy and many other things

Origin of nickname: Jailton Malhadinho started calling me by this name. At first I was not too fond of it and then it stuck

Personal life/background: I like to watch soccer and fights, and play video games. I'm a homebody! I have 2 children (a boy and a girl) and I currently live with my mother!