The endless inflow of high-level grappling champion to MMA now options Renato Canuto, a IBJJF world champion (gi and no-gi) who’s now 2-0 within the cage with back-to-back soccer kick knockouts. And his purpose is evident: hold including finishes to his resume and evolve sufficient to earn a shot within the UFC in 2026.
Canuto made quick work of Caleb Contreras this previous weekend at Tuff-N-Uff 149, scoring one other sub-minute knockout in Las Vegas.
“It was humorous as a result of final time I didn’t plan it in any respect,” Canuto informed MMA Preventing of the soccer kicks to the physique. “It was simply within the warmth of the second, simply attempting to cease the battle. This time it was even funnier, as a result of after I stood as much as give him some house and noticed the man there, it was sort of automated. The referee didn’t cease the battle, so I used to be like, ‘ah, I’ll simply kick him’ [laughs].”
Canuto’s purpose is to compete on the upcoming UFC BJJ 4 card in December, the place his spouse Raquel Canuto battles Aurelie Le Vern for the inaugural UFC BJJ featherweight belt. He’s not planning on losing any time after that, eyeing a MMA bout for January and ultimately rematching Andrew Tackett for the UFC BJJ belt after that.
If all goes in keeping with his plans, Canuto would be the UFC BJJ champion and 4-0 in MMA by mid-2026, both signed to the UFC or set to compete at Dana White’s Contender Collection.
“That’s the intention,” Canuto mentioned. “If issues hold going the best way they’re and I hold proving I’ve what it takes, I wish to be a part of that Contender Collection — or perhaps even soar straight into the UFC. Both means, I don’t thoughts. I don’t really feel any stress. … No rush, however on the identical time doing every little thing the best way I’ve been doing it, I believe by the center or finish of subsequent 12 months I ought to have a greater concept if I’ll be within the UFC or not.”
Canuto determined to make the transition to MMA by the tip of 2021 after profitable the IBJJF world championship with the gi. He believes — and hopes — that being a star at UFC BJJ might assist result in the UFC as a combined martial artist.
“I’ve been investing in that very same concept,” Canuto mentioned. “There’s already been an occasion the place [UFC CEO Dana White] got here to observe, he noticed my spouse’s match, noticed mine, and he cherished it, thought it was superior. I even pointed at him like, ‘Bear in mind me, don’t overlook who I’m’ [laughs]. I believe the appropriate individuals are already paying consideration.”
“On the finish of 2021, everybody was reevaluating life after COVID,” he added. “I used to be considering what else can I do to enhance my state of affairs. I used to be already educating courses, I had competed loads in jiu-jitsu, and my purpose was at all times to maneuver to MMA. I felt like jiu-jitsu was shedding a few of that spark, that pleasure of eager to show myself, and MMA introduced that again.”
Canuto inked a six-fight cope with ONE Championship in 2021 and hoped it could not solely permit him to compete beneath grappling guidelines for the Asian firm, however make his MMA debut for them. He misplaced his first match in Asia, a choice defeat to short-notice substitute Tommy Langaker in grappling, and felt every little thing change between him and the promotion.
“I ended up shedding a choice in my first grappling match and that was mainly it, I used to be useless to them,” Canuto laughed. “I believe felt like I had misplaced worth for them. Everybody desires the man who wins on a regular basis, however I by no means received one other likelihood to come back again and show in any other case.”
When UFC began investing in grappling occasions with UFC Combat Cross Invitational, and Canuto’s spouse joined the promotion, Renato ultimately parted methods with ONE inked a cope with them. He stored the door to MMA opened, and signed a four-fight cope with Tuff N Uff to lastly make his debut in 2025.
Canuto could have misplaced a few years caught on a cope with ONE, however feels extra ready for the game after dedicating numerous hours within the fitness center.
“Again then, I’d’ve been far more depending on jiu-jitsu,” Canuto mentioned. “I’m far more used to [getting punched in the face] now. I believe I can already battle guys at a a lot larger stage than earlier than, however I’m following what my supervisor and the matchmaker say. I’m trusting the method.”
Canuto is coached by Matheus Naccache and has skilled with a variety of UFC fighters within the fitness center, from up-and-comers Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani and Evan Elder to veterans and former champions similar to Aljamain Sterling, Cody Garbrandt, Brandon Moreno, Ode Osbourne, Cesar Almeida and Kai Kamaka III.
“If the UFC referred to as [today], I wouldn’t say no. No means,” Canuto mentioned. “However I’m in no hurry. I believe if the chance got here at present, I’d take it. I’ve little doubt I can battle the perfect due to who I practice with and the way a lot I’ve been uncovered behind the scenes, coaching with powerful guys. I believe I can go toe-to-toe with the perfect, however I don’t have that rush I used to. If I wish to get higher, sharpen every little thing, and depart no gaps, I’ve received to take it straightforward, keep calm, and let issues occur naturally.”
Used to competing in grappling at round 170 kilos. Canuto gained each MMA bouts at a catchweight of 160 kilos. He hasn’t made 155 kilos in a very long time, however sees that as his splendid weight class in MMA.
The jiu-jitsu ace admits the extent of opposition he’s confronted up to now in MMA is subpar and mentioned he would like to face extra skilled athletes subsequent. That mentioned, Canuto solely sees the elite of the UFC giving him hassle.
“I believe the one place the place somebody might actually cease me now can be within the UFC,” Canuto mentioned. “I believe I might already be going through guys outdoors the highest 15. I simply don’t wish to waste the chance. Like I mentioned, I’ve been by means of ONE, I’ve seen lots of people go out and in of the UFC. Some go in actually younger as massive prospects, lose an in depth determination or have a number of powerful fights that don’t go their means, after which it’s arduous to get one other likelihood. I don’t wish to go in, get minimize, and need to battle my means again. I’m 29 now so I wish to get in, construct a profession, and chase the belt, similar to everybody else.”
