Tag: Rodrigo Nascimento

UFC Fight Night 246 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: 2024 total passes $7 million

The UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program has now paid out more than $7 million to athletes in 2024.

EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 246 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $196,500.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC Fight Night 246 took place at Rogers Place. The entire card streamed on ESPN+.

The full UFC Fight Night 246 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag]: $16,000
def. [autotag]Amir Albazi[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Erin Blanchfield[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Rose Namajunas[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Brendson Ribeiro[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Caio Machado[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Jasmine Jasudavicius[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Ariane da Silva[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Dustin Stoltzfus[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Marc-Andre Barriault[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Mike Malott[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Trevin Giles[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Aiemann Zahabi[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Pedro Munhoz[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Charles Jourdain[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Victor Henry[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Youssef Zalal[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Jack Shore[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Alexandr Romanov[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Rodrigo Nascimento[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Serhiy Sidey[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Garrett Armfield[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Cody Gibson[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Chad Anheliger[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Jamey-Lyn Horth[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Ivana Petrovic[/autotag]: $4,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2461 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $7,092,500
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $29,829,500

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 246.

Alexandr Romanov def. Rodrigo Nascimento at UFC Fight Night 246: Best photos from Edmonton

Check out the best photos from Alexandr Romanov’s unanimous decision win over Rodrigo Nascimento at UFC Fight Night 246.

Check out the best photos from [autotag]Alexandr Romanov[/autotag]’s unanimous decision win over [autotag]Rodrigo Nascimento[/autotag] at UFC Fight Night 246 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photos by Perry Nelson, USA TODAY Sports; MMA Junkie; UFC)

UFC splits Edmonton co-main event: Derrick Lewis, Alexandr Romanov get new opponents

In a rare move, the UFC has split a previously-finalized co-main event into two new fights.

UFC Edmonton has a new co-main event, though both of its original participants remain on the card against different opponents.

“The Black Beast” [autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag] will now face kickboxer [autotag]Jhonata Diniz[/autotag] at the UFC Fight Night event Nov. 2 at Rogers Place. Additionally, [autotag]Alexandr Romanov[/autotag] now gets [autotag]Rodrigo Nascimento[/autotag].

Four people with knowledge of the changes recently informed MMA Junkie of the new matchups but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. The bouts were first reported by Laerte Viana.

It’s unclear why the initial co-main event of Lewis (28-12 MMA, 19-10 UFC) vs. Romanov (17-3 MMA, 6- 3 UFC) was split. However, the Lewis vs. Diniz (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) fight marks a striking-heavy battle on paper.

Lewis has won two of his last three fights. Despite the ups and downs over a decade-plus in the UFC, Lewis has remained one of the most popular fighters on the promotion’s roster.

A former standout kickboxer, Diniz steps into a massive opportunity in just his third UFC fight. After winning on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023, Diniz has defeated Austen Lane and Karl Williams thus far in the UFC.

Romanov aims to turn things around after losing three of his most recent four bouts. The three defeats in that stretch are the only of his career.

Nascimento (11-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) competed in his first UFC headliner when he was finished with strikes by Lewis in May. The defeat snapped a three-fight winning streak.

With the change, the UFC Fight Night lineup for Nov. 2 includes:

  • Rose Namajunas vs. Erin Blanchfield
  • Derrick Lewis vs. Jhonata Diniz
  • Rodrigo Nascimento vs. Alexandr Romanov
  • Ariane da Silva vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius
  • Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Dustin Stoltzfus
  • Jamey-Lyn Horth vs. Ivana Petrovic
  • Chad Anheliger vs. Cody Gibson

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Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy prediction, pick: Can veteran fend off younger, undefeated fighter?

Edson Barboza will have to find the fountain of youth in order to beat Lerone Murphy at UFC Fight Night 241. Can he?

MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom goes in depth to break down the biggest fights in the UFC. Today, he takes a closer look at the UFC Fight Night 241 main event between [autotag]Edson Barboza[/autotag] and [autotag]Lerone Murphy[/autotag]. UFC Fight Night 241 (ESPN+) takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Edson Barboza UFC Fight Night 241 preview

  • Record: 24-11 MMA, 18-11 UFC
  • Height: 5’11” Age: 38 Weight: 145 lbs. Reach: 75″
  • Last fight: Decision win over Sodiq Yusuff (Oct. 14, 2023)
  • Camp: American Top Team (Florida)
  • Stance/striking style: Orthodox/muay Thai
  • Risk management: Good

Supplemental info:
+ Regional MMA titles
+ Multiple muay Thai accolades
^ Record of 25-3 (22 by KO)
+ Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt
+ 14 KO victories
+ 1 submission win
+ 8 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Solid feints and footwork
+ Improved boxing technique
^ Jabs, pivots, counters, etc.
+ Devastating leg kicks
+ Accurate spinning attacks
+ Underrated counter wrestling
+ Solid butterfly guard

Lerone Murphy UFC Fight Night 241 preview

Lerone Murphy UFC 286 Ceremonial Weigh-ins
  • Record: 13-0-1 MMA, 5-0-1 UFC
  • Height: 5’9″ Age: 32 Weight: 145 lbs. Reach: 73.5″
  • Last fight: Decision win over Josh Culibao (July 22, 2023)
  • Camp: Manchester Top Team (England)
  • Stance/striking style: Switch-stance/muay Thai
  • Risk management: Good

Supplemental info:
+ Regional MMA title
+ Amateur MMA accolades
+ Brazilian jiu-jitsu blue belt
+ 7 KO victories
+ 6 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Solid feints and footwork
^ Strikes well from both stances
+ Hard calf kicks
+ Strong inside the clinch
^ Works well off over-unders
+ Serviceable takedown ability
^ Favors attempts along the fence
+ Solid scrambling and transitional grappling
+ Good ground-and-pound

Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy point of interest: Muay Thai maelstrom

The main event in Las Vegas features two fighters who are familiar with the art of eight limbs.

Storming onto the UFC scene as a thunderous leg kicker, [autotag]Edson Barboza[/autotag] became renowned for his initial impressions of violence that reminded MMA fans why muay Thai is such an effective striking art.

After a few years of mixed success, Barboza made his way up to New Jersey to train with Mark Henry, a coach who quietly helped him improve his footwork and fundamentals within the boxing realm.

From hitting pivots to stepping off to the appropriate sides, the Brazilian has done a much better job of facilitating his punches and overall offense. Barboza has always possessed an underrated counter right hand but has since developed his left hand under said upgrades.
Though Barboza throws his jab with much more efficiency, it is the improvements in his boxing counters and bodywork that could serve the American Top Team product particularly well in this fight. However, Barboza will still need to respect the power that’s coming back his way.

Enter [autotag]Lerone Murphy[/autotag].

Despite the UFC matchmakers’ best efforts to bury lighter-weight talents on preliminary cards, Murphy appears to have made himself undeniable with the skills shown in his accrual of wins.

A well-coached fighter who looks to be a natural when it comes to striking, Murphy comports himself comfortably from both stances on the feet. Whether Murphy’s launching left-sided power strikes from southpaw or is trying to set up his patent calk kick from orthodox, the English fighter is seamless when switching sides.

Not only can Murphy variate the looks and levels of his jab, but the 32-year-old also displays solid instincts when it comes to leg kick defense and counters that should come in handy this Saturday. That said, Murphy has shown that he is not beyond being caught while kicking either, making counters a potent two-way street.

Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy breakdown: Potential grappling threats

Lerone Murphy (red gloves) fights Josh Culibao (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at O2 Arena. (Per Haljestam, USA TODAY Sports)

Considering the potential for chaos on the feet, no one should be shocked if this party ends up on the floor at some point.

No stranger to closed-quarter combat, Murphy has shown a semi-surprising willingness to tie up with opposition throughout a fight.
Although Murphy does have a decent reactionary double-leg that he’ll dust off on occasion, the 8-year pro primarily looks to get things done from the clinch. Whether Murphy is muscling his man over from the bodylock or looking to change levels along the fence, the Englishman seems strong from this space and works well off over-unders.

However, since Barboza’s early encounters with wrestlers the likes of Jamie Varner and Danny Castillo, the 15-year pro has steadily strengthened his counter-wrestling acumen. Even in his slightly more recent fight against former lightweight kingpin Khabib Nurmagomedov, Barboza was still able to contest with his counterpart’s underhooks, creating enough space for separations despite being dead tired in the final frame.

More importantly, Barboza – from an offensive perspective – is not beyond shooting a double-leg takedown of his own to help alleviate pressure. Reactionary doubles, at least on paper, wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world given the Brazilian’s edge in experience.
Still, despite giving up his fair share of takedowns, Murphy has shown a solid scrambling process.

Typically looking to locate the fence, Murphy favors wall walking to safety any way he can – usually keeping a strong whizzer for assistance. And if Murphy can get on top, “The Miracle” possesses some ungodly ground-and-pound that can change the dynamic of a fight.

Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy odds

The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the younger man ever so slightly, listing Murphy -115 and Barboza +118, according to FanDuel.

Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy prediction, pick

Considering that Murphy is the undefeated fighter with less mileage, I’m not surprised to see him installed as the odds-on favorite, albeit slightly. Still, it is nice to see some respect given to Barboza given the lack of line movement overall.

Not only have we seen some notable Brazilian veterans find the fountain of youth this year, but Barboza has quietly been improving during this late-career resurgence of sorts. Aside from being fully settled into his new home of American Top Team, Barboza has made marked upgrades to his boxing game that I see having some play on Murphy.

Although Murphy reenacting a worse version of the Bryce Mitchell knockdown from southpaw is a reality that is on the table for Barboza, the English fighter has shown suspect defense when it comes to protecting his midsection.

Unless Murphy can stop Barboza in the first two frames, then I suspect that the 38-year-old veteran can pull away with bodywork and counters down the stretch.

I’m hoping to see more of Murphy regardless of the result, but the official pick is Barboza by decision.

Prediction: Barboza by decision

Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy start time, where to watch

As the main event, Barboza and Murphy are expected to make their walks to the octagon at approximately 9:45 p.m. ET (6:45 p.m. PT). The fight broadcasts live on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 241.

UFC on ESPN 56 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: 2024 total passes $3 million

UFC on ESPN 56 fighters took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay, a program that continued after the UFC’s deal with Venum.

ST. LOUIS – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 56 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $186,000.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC on ESPN 56 took place at Enterprise Arena. The card aired on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+.

The full UFC on ESPN 56 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag]: $21,000
def. [autotag]Rodrigo Nascimento[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Joaquin Buckley[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Nursulton Ruziboev[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Carlos Ulberg[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Alonzo Menifield[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Diego Ferreira[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Mateusz Rebecki[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Sean Woodson[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Alex Caceres[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Waldo Cortes-Acosta[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Robelis Despaigne[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Chase Hooper[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Viacheslav Borshchev[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Esteban Ribovics[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Terrance McKinney[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Tabatha Ricci[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Tecia Pennington[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Trey Waters[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Billy Ray Goff[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Charles Johnson[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Jake Hadley[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Veronica Hardy[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]JJ Aldrich[/autotag]: $6,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,560; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $56,000 while title challengers get $56,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-56 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $3,106,000
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $25,843,000

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 56.

UFC on ESPN 56 results: Derrick Lewis moons St. Louis crowd after KO of Rodrigo Nascimento

“I appreciate St. Louis for letting me show my naked ass tonight.” – Derrick Lewis after UFC on ESPN 56.

[autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag] topped his previous celebrations, but it was also bottoms out Saturday in St. Louis.

Following his UFC on ESPN 56 main event win, Lewis (27-12 MMA, 18-10 UFC) pulled out all of the stops to the thrill of those in attendance at Enterprise Center.

First, Lewis finished [autotag]Rodrigo Nascimento[/autotag] (11-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) with punches at the 0:49 mark of Round 3. Then, the shorts came off in vintage fashion and he fanned the downed Nascimento with them.

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The production team was forced to scramble for a tighter frame as Lewis laid down on the canvas in his underwear to remove his cup, which he then ceremoniously tossed into the media section to one very unlucky reporter.

Both gloves came off and were tossed into the crowd for some lucky fans. Lewis then threatened to remove his underwear, but instead settled for mooning the audience.

“I appreciate St. Louis for letting me show my naked ass tonight,” Lewis said during his post-fight interview.

When the wins come, so do the celebrations. Saturday’s win was his second in three fights. It didn’t come without some struggled. Nascimento presented some problems with Lewis in the clinch and on the ground, but ultimately a big overhand right and follow-up punches sealed the deal.

Nascimento had a three-fight winning streak snapped with the loss.

Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 56 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 56.

Derrick Lewis def. Rodrigo Nascimento at UFC on ESPN 56: Best photos

Check out the best photos from Derrick Lewis’ third-round TKO win over Rodrigo Nascimento at UFC on ESPN 56.

Check out the best photos from [autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag]’ third-round TKO win over [autotag]Rodrigo Nascimento[/autotag] at UFC on ESPN 56 at Enterprise Center in St. Louis. (Fight and venue photos by Jeff Le, USA Today Sports)

UFC on ESPN 56: Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 56 odds between Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 5-round heavyweight bout in the main event, Derrick Lewis and Rodrigo Nascimento meet Saturday at UFC on ESPN 56 at Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC on ESPN 56: Lewis vs. Nascimento odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 4 p.m. ET and can be viewed on ESPN/ESPN+, while the main card starts at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+.

Records: Lewis (27-12-0) | Nascimento (11-1-0)

Lewis, a.k.a. “The Black Beast”, makes his 2nd consecutive main event appearance, 5th main event in the past 9 bouts since Aug. 8, 2020, and 11th main event in his UFC career.

Lewis has managed just 2 victories in the past 7 fights since UFC 265, a 3rd-round KO/TKO loss to Ciryl Gane in a championship bout. His only 2 wins in the 7-bout span are Round 1 knockouts of Chris Daukaus and Marcos Rogerio de Lima.

Nascimento has been a quick riser in the UFC ranks, winning 3 straight fights despite the fact the quality of opponent has been increasing. He had a split-decision win over Tanner Boser in Sept. 2022, and a split-decision win over Ilir Latifi in May 2023. He also pushed past Don’Tale Myers via unanimous-decision last time out. Nascimento has topped Myers twice already in his UFC career.

The 39-year-old Lewis is 8 years older than the Brazilian fighter, and Nascimento has a slight 1-inch reach advantage. Experience is on the side of Lewis, and it’s not even close. Nascimento has managed 4.31 significant strikes landed per minute, to just 2.43 for Lewis over his career. And Nascimento is slightly more accurate at 55.26%.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC on ESPN 56: Lewis vs. Nascimento odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:50 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Lewis -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Nascimento +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over +115 | Under -150)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +600 | No -1400)

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UFC on ESPN 56: Lewis vs. Nascimento picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

This fight is all about experience. LEWIS (-165) has been through a ton of the wars, fighting in 11 previous main events. Nascimento (+135) is, well, nascent. He has a bright future, but the time is not now for the Brazilian fighter.

While Lewis has been struggling to get the job done, he has been fighting a ton of top-notch talent during the span. He is coming off of a unanimous-decision loss to Jailton Almeida last time out in early November.

While Nascimento lands more punches, the experience of Lewis should be leaned into. He is a solid play on the 2-way line.

Over/Under (O/U)

Nascimento has ended up going the distance in 3 straight fights, but he won’t be able to go toe-to-toe with Lewis.

Lewis is a knockout artist, and that’s the best method of victory and play. Roll with LEWIS BY KO/TKO, DQ OR SUBMISSION (-140) on the 5-way line for method. You can drop the submission part on the 7-way line, and just go with Lewis by KO/TKO or DQ (-135), but you don’t save much, and you take away another potential avenue to victory. It makes no sense.

OVER 1.5 ROUNDS (+115) is a solid play at plus-money, as we should be able to at least get past the midway portion of Round 2. He has gone Over 1.5 rounds in 3 of his past 7, while Nascimento has had 3 straight decisions. Go Over.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento prediction, pick: Will ‘The Black Beast’ add to his knockout record?

MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom takes a closer look at the UFC on ESPN 56 main event between Derrick Lewis and Rodrigo Nascimento.

MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom goes in depth to break down the biggest fights in the UFC. Today, he takes a closer look at the UFC on ESPN 56 main event between former heavyweight title challenger [autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag] and rising contender [autotag]Rodrigo Nascimento[/autotag].

Derrick Lewis UFC on ESPN 56 preview

Jul 29, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Derrick Lewis (red gloves) reacts to defeating Marcos Rogerio De Lima (blue gloves) during UFC 291 at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Staple info:

  • Height: 6’3″ Age: 39 Weight: 265 lbs. Reach: 79″
  • Last fight: Decision loss to Jailton Almeida (Nov. 4, 2023)
  • Camp: Main Street Boxing & Muay Thai (Texas)
  • Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing
  • Risk management: Fair

Supplemental info:
+ Legacy FC heavyweight title
+ Regional MMA accolades
+ 22 KO victories
+ 1 submission win
+ 9 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Dangerous overhands and uppercuts
+ Underrated kicks and knees
+ Strong inside the clinch
^ Strikes well off the breaks
+ Shows improved wrestling
+ Deceptive scrambling/getup ability
+ Devastating ground striker

Rodrigo Nascimento UFC on ESPN 56 preview

Rodrigo Nascimento

Staple info:

  • Height: 6’2″ Age: 31 Weight: 264 lbs. Reach: 80″
  • Last fight: Decision win over Don’Tale Mayes (Nov. 4, 2023)
  • Camp: American Top Team (Florida)
  • Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing
  • Risk management: Good

Supplemental info:
+ Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt
+ Grappling tournament experience
+ 2 KO victories
+ 6 submission wins
+ 6 first-round finishes
+ Shows improved overall striking
^ Variates looks and levels
+ Accurate jabs and uppercuts
+ Deceptively quick kicks
+ Serviceable wrestling ability
^ Defensively and offensively
+ Solid transitional grappler
+ Diverse submission acumen

Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento point of interest: Heavyweight hands

Feb 12, 2022; Houston, Texas, UNITED STATES; Derrick Lewis (red gloves) fights Tai Tuivasa (blue gloves) during UFC 271 at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The main event in St. Louis features a heavyweight showdown between Lewis and Nascimento.

Stepping onto the scene as an unabashed brawler, Lewis has shown some signs of improvement underneath the scary destructions that often take place in his fights. An athletic mover for his size, Lewis can throw accurate knees and head kicks with little signs of struggle.

A downright scary distance closer when he chooses to be, Lewis can force his opponents into the fence whether or not he lands on them, almost in a juggernaut-like fashion. With a frame that is hard to control in close, the 39-year-old slugger does his best work when striking off the breaks, maintaining a dangerous potency in small spaces that go deep into the fight.

Lewis also has an appetite for the counter, showing that he’s not beyond setting traps and playing possum in order to draw his opponents into his uncanny power. That said, Lewis will still need to respect what is coming his way this Saturday.

Enter Nascimento.

A natural heavyweight by many metrics, Nascimento moves deceptively well for a man of his size.

Working diligently on his boxing since signing with the UFC, Nascimento does a decent job with his fundamental striking form. Whether Nascimento is utilizing economical punching mechanics or keeping his weight over his feet, the 31-year-old Brazilian will work his way into space off his lead hand, all while keeping his patent right uppercut at the ready.

When feeling in stride, Nascimento will punctuate his combinations with kicks, showing a sneaky switch-kick off his lead side.

Nevertheless, Nascimento will need to be careful about crowding his work into the clinch – an area where Lewis can stage comebacks.

Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento breakdown: Potential grappling threats

Jul 29, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Derrick Lewis (red gloves) fights Marcos Rogerio De Lima (blue gloves) during UFC 291 at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Considering the high potential for chaos on the feet, no one should be shocked if this party hits the floor.

Despite Lewis showing a surprising ability to hit inside trips in recent fights, I suspect that Nascimento will be the more eager man in the takedown department given his on-paper edge.

A Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt who has experience in grappling competitions, Nascimento has shown a serviceable wrestling ability since working stateside with American Top Team in South Florida.

Whether Nascimento is working from the clinch or looking to change his level for a double-leg along the cage, the 12-year pro displays some sneaky savvy when looking to shift his intensity level and look for a takedown. That said, taking down someone like Lewis is easier said than done.

Traditionally dealing with fighters who are trying to grapple him, Lewis wields deceptively effective counter-grappling tactics. Whether he’s hoisting his opponent up with a whizzer or shucking someone off with an underhook, Lewis has been hard to take down along the fence, as single legs or outside trips in open space seem to be what gets him grounded most.

Even when successfully taken down, Lewis still offers a lot of sneaky static in regard to stymying submission attempts and strikes.

Like a sand shark lying in wait, Lewis plays a conservative game when put on his back, keeping his arms in tight for safety while waiting for the right moment to explode (usually timing his opposition when they’re in transition). Once allowed the smallest of space for momentum, Lewis will force his way to his base, turtling to a tripod position to stand.

As someone who is a fan of this style of get-up, I can tell you that it can be a nightmare to encounter when executed properly. For example, Lewis – while keeping his base firmly beneath him – will maintain an angle on his back that resembles a steep ski slope.

Although this tripod position invites back-takes to the naked eye, the downward slope Lewis keeps serves as a trap, making eager back takers ultimately slide forward and lose position (all while allowing the Texas native to stand back up). And if Lewis is able to end up on top via swimming for underhooks and shucking, then we could see a drastic shift in this matchup’s momentum given the hellfire of ground-and-pound he provides.

Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento odds

The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the American, listing Lewis -172 and Nascimento +138 via FanDuel. Lewis has been an underdog in his last four fights, from near-even money all the way up to +370 in his last bout against Almeida. Meanwhile, Nascimento has been a favorite in each of his six UFC bouts thus far, except one – a fight he won against Tanner Boser in 2022.

Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento prediction, pick

Outside of a literal select few (Daniel Cormier, Serghei Spivac and Jailton Almeida), fighters who try to grapple Lewis generally end up with their consciousness stripped from their body. And when it comes to fighters who have successfully stood with Lewis, undeniable knockout power and athleticism appear to be crucial parts of the equation that I’m not sure Nascimento has.

Whether we’re talking one-shot stopping power or explosive finishes to takedown shots, Nascimento does not appear to be a standout in those key categories despite generally having the right idea in fights.

Don’t get me wrong: there are plenty of ways for a heavyweight fight to get to the ground, and Nascimento demonstrated in his first fight with Don’Tale Mayes that he is one of the handful of big men who can competently take a back in transition.

But if the Brazilian fails and ends up on the bottom, then I believe that this fight will turn in the blink of an eye given the susceptibility to ground strikes that Nascimento has shown in the past.

Although Nascimento’s propensity to eat left-sided strikes won’t be as prominent against a right-hand happy fighter like Lewis, I see punches off the break sparking off a finish for the Texan that’s likely finalized on the floor.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see either a feeling-out period or grapple-fest from Nascimento early, so I’ll officially pick Lewis to score a second-round knockout.

Prediction: Lewis inside the distance

Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento start time, where to watch

Lewis and Nascimento are expected to make their walks to the octagon at approximately 10:15 p.m. ET (7:15 p.m. PT). The fight broadcasts live on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 56.

Video: UFC on ESPN 56 ceremonial weigh-in faceoffs with Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento, Joaquin Buckley’s money, more

UFC on ESPN 56 ceremonial weigh-ins are in the books and the fighters came face-to-face one final time before Saturday’s event in St. Louis.

UFC on ESPN 56 ceremonial weigh-ins took place Friday, and the fighters came face-to-face one final time before Saturday’s event.

The weigh-ins took place at Enterprise Center in St. Louis. The same venue hosts Saturday’s event, which airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.

Check out the video above to see the athletes from all 12 scheduled matchups come face-to-face, including the [autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Rodrigo Nascimento[/autotag] heavyweight headliner, St. Louis’ own [autotag]Joaquin Buckley[/autotag] takes on [autotag]Nursulton Ruziboev[/autotag] in the welterweight co-main event, plus more.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 56.