Ali Akbar Rosady
Las Vegas, Nevada – UFC strawweight contestant GiGi Canuto marked a significant milestone on a recent episode of The Ultimate Fighter 34, not only securing a rapid knockout victory but also making headlines for a unique post-fight celebration involving cash. The Team Michael Bisping fighter achieved her first win of the season, needing less than 30 seconds to dispatch opponent Anita Karim with a series of devastating body kicks, a performance that cemented her place in the semifinals and saw her collect on a pre-fight wager with opposing coach Daniel Cormier.
The dramatic conclusion to the bout was followed by an equally attention-grabbing moment. After Cormier promptly paid out a $500 bet to Canuto, the 23-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion proceeded to "make it rain" with the cash inside the octagon, a celebratory gesture that producers indicated might be an unprecedented occurrence in the history of the sport. Canuto later recounted the experience, noting the unusual circumstances that allowed for such a display. "The producers actually told me that I might be the first person to make it rain in an octagon," Canuto told MMA Fighting. "Because they were like, people are usually not allowed to take money or anything, like they leave their stuff in the warmup room and then they walk out and they have the bucket and gloves." The quick payout from Cormier, who reportedly had the money readily accessible in his pocket, facilitated the impromptu celebration.
The spectacle unfolded directly in front of UFC CEO Dana White, whose reaction, according to Canuto, was one of surprise and congratulation. "Even Dana was just looking at me and he was like, ‘Holy shit. Congrats, kid.’ It was a great experience," she stated. Beyond the financial display, Canuto’s post-fight exuberance also included throwing up middle fingers and shouting towards White cageside, underscoring her commitment to an unreserved and authentic portrayal of herself on the reality series.
The wager itself originated from a strategic conversation and a perceived slight. Daniel Cormier, familiar with Canuto through her training with Andrew Cejudo—brother of former UFC champion Henry Cejudo and a friend of Cormier’s—appeared to engage in a bit of gamesmanship prior to the fight. Cormier, aware of Canuto’s decorated background as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion, reportedly suggested that Canuto should avoid taking Karim down and instead focus on a stand-up fight, implying that Karim might have an advantage in that domain. Canuto interpreted this as a challenge to her striking abilities.
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"Cormier is talking to me like we know each other basically and he thought that we were having a buddy conversation like, ‘Hey GiGi, maybe don’t take her down. Let’s make this exciting and I think it will be a really good fight if you guys stay standing,’" Canuto explained. This pre-show exchange quickly escalated when cameras began rolling. "The moment that they’re like, ‘We’re live,’ I immediately go, ‘Hey, he was just telling me in the back’ and I kind of just say it out loud and ‘DC’ you can see him in the episode and he was like, ‘Are you going to tell?’ I’m like, ‘Hell yeah, I’m going to tell.’ It was just very funny." The specific catalyst for the bet, however, was a comment overheard from a Team Cormier coach, who reportedly stated, "If she doesn’t take you down, she’s f*cked." This prompted Canuto to make the $500 bet on the spot, confidently predicting a knockout victory.
Canuto’s performance not only validated her confidence but also showcased a developing striking arsenal that complements her elite grappling credentials. Prior to her appearance on The Ultimate Fighter, Canuto had already begun making waves in the professional mixed martial arts circuit. She holds a professional record of 7-1, with her most recent victory before TUF being a submission win over Janaina Silva at LFA 224 in January. Her prowess extends beyond traditional MMA, as evidenced by her participation in a UFC Fight Pass Invitational event in March 2024, where she submitted UFC fighter Denise Gomes with a heel hook, a clear demonstration of her high-level jiu-jitsu skills against established talent. This background context highlights why Cormier might have seen an opportunity for gamesmanship, believing Karim’s best chance against the BJJ specialist would be in a stand-up exchange.
Despite the successful outcome, Canuto expressed a singular regret regarding the wager. "DC has money, I should have bet more than that," she admitted, laughing. "I genuinely was super confident and then I won, so I was like, I should have bet way more." Her initial decision to bet $500 was rooted in financial prudence, a self-imposed limit based on what she could afford to lose. "When I bet, I didn’t know that it would maybe be something that was one-sided because I thought if I lose, I have to pay him, so I was thinking about a price that I could afford because I’m not just going to bet $5,000 and I don’t have it. So I was like, $500, and it just so happened that it worked and I was just like, f*ck, now I should have bet more."
Canuto’s journey to The Ultimate Fighter was initially met with reluctance. Having moved from Brazil to the U.S. as a child, she had spent time growing up in Las Vegas. Upon returning to the city, she felt an uneasy sensation and was initially dismissive of the opportunity to join the TUF 34 cast. "I was so negative towards it," Canuto said, citing discomfort with communal living, the perceived risk of being filmed globally, and the unique pressure of fighting without a crowd but directly in front of White. She also acknowledged an "ego speaking," believing she could enter the UFC directly without the reality show pathway.
However, a sudden change of heart propelled her towards the show. "Two days later, I’m standing on the couch, and I start almost panicking," she recalled. "My husband’s like, ‘What’s wrong?’ I was like, ‘Oh fck, I think I have to do it.’" This drastic shift in perspective was driven by an internal conviction that embracing the uncomfortable was necessary for her growth. Mentors further solidified her decision, advising her that TUF* was precisely the platform suited for her.
Once committed to the experience, Canuto resolved to be unapologetically herself. This determination was evident in her interactions with Dana White, even prior to the fight. When White offered a customary "Good luck, kid," Canuto responded directly, "I don’t need luck," adding, "you’re about to see something." She believed White appreciated her candidness, perceiving his reaction as an acknowledgment of her genuine intensity. "He was genuinely, like, ‘Oh f*ck. This is real for her.’ Obviously, he watches so many fights, and I think he could feel the energy and I was genuinely there ready to go to war."
Canuto’s mindset throughout the TUF experience, particularly concerning White’s presence, was one of mental fortitude. "I kind of was trying to tell myself he’s just another human, like he just so happens to have power," she stated. "I’m like, dude, I’m not going to let him affect my performance." Following her dominant knockout, Canuto conveyed a clear message: "That was 2 percent of what I can do." Her objective was to leave a lasting impression, regardless of her progression on the show. "Independent of what happens on the show, you see something and I want you to remember it."
With her impressive knockout, successful wager, and memorable celebration, GiGi Canuto has advanced to the semifinals of TUF 34. Her aspirations for a UFC call-up remain high, and her performance on the reality series has undoubtedly strengthened her case, showcasing both her evolving skill set and an undeniable, captivating personality that promises to make her a memorable figure in the sport.
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