Las Vegas, NV – Renato Canuto, a decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and multiple-time IBJJF world champion in both gi and no-gi categories, has swiftly established himself as a formidable force in mixed martial arts (MMA), improving his professional record to 2-0 with a second consecutive sub-minute knockout victory. Canuto’s rapid progression and distinctive finishing style have positioned him as a compelling prospect, with the grappling ace publicly articulating his ambition to secure a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) by mid-2026.

Canuto’s latest triumph occurred this past weekend at Tuff-N-Uff 149 in Las Vegas, where he dispatched Caleb Contreras in under a minute. The victory, another highlight-reel finish, showcased Canuto’s evolving striking game, culminating in a soccer kick to the body. This marks the second instance of Canuto employing this unique technique to end a bout in his nascent MMA career, drawing attention to his adaptable and aggressive approach within the cage.

Reflecting on the unconventional finish, Canuto offered insight into the spontaneity of his decision-making during the fight. "It was funny because last time I didn’t plan it at all," Canuto told MMA Fighting, referencing his previous soccer kick knockout. "It was just in the heat of the moment, just trying to stop the fight. This time it was even funnier, because when I stood up to give him some space and saw the guy there, it was kind of automatic. The referee didn’t stop the fight, so I was like, ‘ah, I’ll just kick him’ [laughs]." While soccer kicks to a grounded opponent’s head are illegal under the unified rules of mixed martial arts, kicks to the body remain permissible, a nuance Canuto has effectively leveraged in his early contests.

The seamless transition from the intricate world of competitive grappling to the unforgiving environment of MMA has been a notable trend in recent years, with athletes like Canuto bringing an elite skill set to the cage. Canuto’s background as an IBJJF World Champion underscores his mastery of ground fighting, a foundation he is now aggressively complementing with striking proficiency.

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Looking ahead, Canuto’s schedule remains ambitious, encompassing both grappling and MMA commitments. He plans to compete at the upcoming UFC BJJ 4 card in December, an event organized under the UFC Fight Pass Invitational banner, which highlights the promotion’s increasing investment in professional grappling. This card holds particular significance for the Canuto household, as his wife, Raquel Canuto, is slated to contend for the inaugural UFC BJJ featherweight belt against Aurelie Le Vern. Renato Canuto intends to follow this grappling appearance with an MMA bout in January, before eventually targeting a rematch against Andrew Tackett for the UFC BJJ belt.

Should his meticulously laid plans materialize, Canuto envisions himself holding the UFC BJJ championship and boasting an unblemished 4-0 professional MMA record by mid-2026. At this juncture, he anticipates either being directly signed to the UFC roster or earning a coveted spot on Dana White’s Contender Series, a platform specifically designed for promising prospects to earn a UFC contract through impressive performances.

"That’s the intention," Canuto affirmed, regarding his UFC aspirations. "If things keep going the way they are and I keep proving I have what it takes, I want to be part of that Contender Series – or maybe even jump straight into the UFC. Either way, I don’t mind. I don’t feel any pressure. … No rush, but at the same time doing everything the way I’ve been doing it, I think by the middle or end of next year I should have a better idea if I’ll be in the UFC or not." This measured yet confident outlook reflects a strategic approach to career development, prioritizing readiness over hasty advancement.

Canuto’s decision to transition to MMA was made at the close of 2021, following a triumphant year that saw him secure the IBJJF gi world championship. This period, he explained, coincided with a broader reevaluation of life and career paths in the aftermath of the global COVID-19 pandemic. "At the end of 2021, everyone was reevaluating life after COVID," he stated. "I was thinking what else can I do to improve my situation. I was already teaching classes, I had competed a lot in jiu-jitsu, and my goal was always to move to MMA. I felt like jiu-jitsu was losing some of that spark, that excitement of wanting to prove myself, and MMA brought that back." This sentiment highlights MMA’s capacity to reignite competitive passion for elite athletes seeking new challenges.

A significant part of Canuto’s strategy involves leveraging his visibility within the UFC’s burgeoning grappling scene to open doors to the organization’s MMA division. He believes that achieving star status in UFC BJJ could serve as a direct conduit to an MMA contract. Canuto recounted a recent event where UFC CEO Dana White was in attendance, witnessing both his and his wife’s matches. "There’s already been an event where [UFC CEO Dana White] came to watch, he saw my wife’s match, saw mine, and he loved it, thought it was awesome," Canuto shared, adding humorously, "I even pointed at him like, ‘Remember me, don’t forget who I am’ [laughs]. I think the right people are already paying attention."

Canuto’s journey to his current position was not without its detours. In 2021, he inked a six-fight deal with ONE Championship, a prominent Asian combat sports organization, with aspirations of competing under both grappling and MMA rules. However, his tenure with ONE proved challenging. Following a decision loss in his inaugural grappling match against short-notice replacement Tommy Langaker in Asia, Canuto perceived a shift in his standing with the promotion. "I ended up losing a decision in my first grappling match and that was basically it, I was dead to them," Canuto candidly admitted, with a laugh. "I think felt like I had lost value for them. Everyone wants the guy who wins all the time, but I never got another chance to come back and prove otherwise." This experience underscores the high-stakes nature of professional combat sports, where a single result can significantly alter career trajectories, particularly in promotions with large rosters and fierce competition for opportunities.

The advent of UFC’s investment in grappling events, specifically the UFC Fight Pass Invitational, coincided with his wife Raquel’s affiliation with the promotion. This convergence of circumstances ultimately led Canuto to part ways with ONE Championship and secure a deal with the UFC’s grappling arm. Maintaining his ambition for MMA, he subsequently signed a four-fight agreement with Tuff N Uff, a well-regarded regional promotion known for nurturing future UFC talent, allowing him to finally make his professional MMA debut.

Despite the years lost under his ONE Championship contract, Canuto expresses no regret, believing the time spent training and refining his skills has made him a more formidable and prepared fighter for MMA. "Back then, I would’ve been much more dependent on jiu-jitsu," Canuto explained. "I’m much more used to [getting punched in the face] now. I think I can already fight guys at a much higher level than before, but I’m following what my manager and the matchmaker say. I’m trusting the process." This patient approach, guided by his team, emphasizes a holistic development before ascending to the sport’s pinnacle.

Canuto’s training regimen is overseen by coach Matheus Naccache and takes place within a high-caliber environment, featuring a roster of current and former UFC fighters. His training partners include rising prospects such as Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani and Evan Elder, alongside established veterans and former champions like Aljamain Sterling, Cody Garbrandt, Brandon Moreno, Ode Osbourne, Cesar Almeida, and Kai Kamaka III. This exposure to elite talent on a daily basis provides Canuto with invaluable experience and a realistic benchmark for his own capabilities.

While his sights are firmly set on a 2026 UFC entry, Canuto maintains a pragmatic perspective on immediate opportunities. "If the UFC called [today], I wouldn’t say no. No way," he asserted. "But I’m in no hurry. I think if the opportunity came today, I’d take it. I have no doubt I can fight the best because of who I train with and how much I’ve been exposed behind the scenes, training with tough guys. I think I can go toe-to-toe with the best, but I don’t have that rush I used to. If I want to get better, sharpen everything, and leave no gaps, I’ve got to take it easy, stay calm, and let things happen naturally."

Regarding his fighting weight, Canuto typically competed in grappling at approximately 170 pounds. His initial two MMA victories were secured at a catchweight of 160 pounds. However, he views the 155-pound lightweight division as his ideal weight class for MMA, acknowledging that making that weight will require concerted effort, as he has not consistently made 155 pounds in a considerable period.

Canuto readily admits that the level of competition he has faced in his initial MMA bouts has been subpar, expressing a desire to test his skills against more experienced athletes in future contests. Despite this, his confidence in his abilities remains high, suggesting that only the elite of the UFC roster would pose a significant challenge to him at this stage. "I think the only place where someone could really stop me now would be in the UFC," Canuto stated confidently. "I think I could already be facing guys outside the top 15."

His strategic patience is rooted in a desire to establish a lasting career within the UFC, rather than a fleeting appearance. "I just don’t want to waste the opportunity," Canuto elaborated. "Like I said, I’ve been through ONE, I’ve seen a lot of people go in and out of the UFC. Some go in really young as big prospects, lose a close decision or have a few tough fights that don’t go their way, and then it’s hard to get another chance. I don’t want to go in, get cut, and have to fight my way back. I’m 29 now so I want to get in, build a career, and chase the belt, just like everyone else." Canuto’s measured ambition and self-awareness position him as a compelling figure to watch as he continues his determined march towards the sport’s highest echelons.

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