Gabriel Gonzaga

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Gabriel Gonzaga
200px
Born (1979-05-18) May 18, 1979 (age 45)
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Other names Napão (IPA: [naˈpɐ̃w̃])
Residence Ludlow, Massachusetts, United States
Nationality Brazilian
Height 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)[1]
Weight 263 lb (119 kg; 18 st 11 lb)
Division Heavyweight
Reach 76.0 in (193 cm)[2]
Fighting out of Ludlow, Massachusetts, United States
Team Team Link
Chute Boxe Academy (formery)
Rank Fourth Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[3] under Wander Braga[4]
Years active 2003–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total 27
Wins 17
By knockout 7
By submission 9
By decision 1
Losses 10
By knockout 8
By decision 2
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Gabriel Gonzaga
Medal record
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
World Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Gold medal – first place 2006 Ultra-Heavyweight (black)[5]
Bronze medal – third place 2002 Absolute (black)[6]
ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship
Silver medal – second place 2005 +99kg[7]
Brazilian National Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Bronze medal – third place 1999 Super-Heavy (black)[8]

Gabriel Gonzaga[9] (Portuguese pronunciation: [ɡabɾiˈew ɡõˈzaɡɐ]; born May 18, 1979), is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Gonzaga won a gold medal in the Ultra Heavyweight division at the 2006 Mundials, which is considered to be the top BJJ competition in the world. As of May 26, 2014, he is #11 in official UFC Heavyweight rankings[10] Gonzaga's nickname "Napão" means "big nose" in Portuguese.[11]

Background

Gonzaga was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and began training in judo when he was 14 years old. before later transitioning to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, under the tutelage of Wander Braga.[4] Gonzaga would go on to achieve many accomplishments in the sport before transitioning into a career in MMA.[12]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Gonzaga made his professional MMA debut on April 4, 2003 in Santos, Brazil against Cicero Costa, winning via submission due to punches in the first round. He went on to compile a 4-1 professional record with his only loss coming via TKO to Fabrício Werdum.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

He made his UFC debut at UFC 56, knocking out Kevin Jordan with a superman punch at 4:39 of the third round. However, weeks before the fight, his pregnant wife started having complications with her pregnancy and lost one of the twins she was carrying. Gonzaga's obligations to his wife during her high risk pregnancy left him unable to train properly.[13]

Gonzaga would later return at UFC 60 with a win over Fabiano Scherner via TKO in the second round. At UFC 66 he would defeat Carmelo Marrero in the first round by armbar.

At UFC 70, Gonzaga knocked out Mirko Filipović with a head kick, Filipovic's own signature move. With the win, Gonzaga became the next contender for UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture. The knockout was the consensus Knockout of the Year for 2007.

At UFC 74, Gonzaga lost to Couture by TKO due to punches from the mount at the 1:37 mark of the third round.

Gonzaga returned to the Octagon to face the only man that had beaten him prior to the Couture fight, Fabrício Werdum, at UFC 80, losing once again via TKO in the second round.[14]

Gonzaga also fought at UFC 86 against Justin McCully. Early in the first round, McCully fell to the ground due to a powerful leg kick from Gonzaga. Gonzaga took to McCully's half guard, quickly passing to the mount position and winning by first round submission with an americana from the mount.[15]

At UFC 91 Gonzaga knocked out UFC newcomer Josh Hendricks with a right hand at 1:01 of the first round.

Gonzaga then faced undefeated Heavyweight prospect Shane Carwin at UFC 96. In the first 30 seconds of the fight, Gonzaga caught Carwin with an uppercut and two left hooks, breaking his nose. Gonzaga took the fight to the floor, but Carwin quickly fought back to his feet. Against the fence, Carwin pushed Gonzaga away and threw an overhand right that knocked Gonzaga out. The referee called the match at 69 seconds of round one, handing Gonzaga his fourth career loss.

Gonzaga with fan

At UFC 102 Gonzaga defeated Chris Tuchscherer via TKO at 2:27 of the first round. The fight, however, was controversial, as Gonzaga landed an illegal low blow that hurt Tuchsherer very badly. While Tuchsherer was able to continue after taking a full five-minute rest, Gonzaga landed a powerful head kick and continued to dominate the rest of the fight, eventually finishing via strikes.

Gonzaga was set to fight Junior dos Santos at UFC 108, however it was reported that he had pulled out of the fight due to a staph infection.[16]

The fight between Gonzaga and dos Santos eventually took place on March 21, 2010 at UFC LIVE: Vera vs. Jones, with Gonzaga losing via knockout in the first round.[17]

Gonzaga was defeated by Brendan Schaub on October 23, 2010 at UFC 121 by unanimous decision. All three judges scored the fight 30-27 after Gonzaga was out-struck throughout all three rounds by Schaub.[18] This was also the first bout in Gonzaga's professional career to go the distance.

Following the loss to Schaub, Gonzaga was released from the promotion.[19]

Post UFC

After being released by the UFC, Gonzaga stated that he would only compete in Brazilian jiu-jitsu but expressed interest in returning to MMA. Gonzaga returned to action against Reality Fighting Heavyweight Champion Parker Porter.[20][21] Gonzaga fought Porter on October 8 where he submitted him with an arm-triangle choke in the third round, winning the Reality Fighting Heavyweight Championship.[22][23]

Return to the UFC

It was announced that Gonzaga signed a new, four-fight contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship on December 16, 2011. In his return bout, he faced Ednaldo Oliveira at UFC 142, replacing an injured Rob Broughton.[24] Gonzaga won the fight via submission in the first round.

Gabriel Gonzaga was expected to face Shane del Rosario at UFC 146 on May 26, 2012.[25] Gabriel was pulled from the bout against Shane Del Rosario to replace Antônio Silva against Roy Nelson, after Silva was switched to meet Cain Velasquez.[26] Gonzaga later was forced out of the bout against Roy Nelson because of an injury, being replaced by Dave Herman.[27]

Gonzaga was expected to face promotional newcomer and fellow Brazilian Geronimo dos Santos on October 13, 2012 at UFC 153[28] but dos Santos dropped off the card for an undisclosed reason. As no replacement was scheduled, Gonzaga was also removed from the card.

Gonzaga faced Ben Rothwell on January 19, 2013 at UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping[29] He won the fight via submission in the second round.

Gonzaga lost via first-round knockout to Travis Browne on April 13, 2013 at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale.[30]

Gonzaga faced Dave Herman on July 6, 2013 at UFC 162, replacing Shane del Rosario who had to withdraw from the bout due to an injury.[31] Gonzaga won via KO 17 seconds into the first round.

Gonzaga next faced Shawn Jordan on October 19, 2013 at UFC 166.[32] He won the fight via knockout at 1:13 of round one. This was Gonzaga's second consecutive first-round knockout.

Gonzaga faced Stipe Miocic on January 25, 2014 at UFC on Fox 10.[33] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Post-fight, Gonzaga stated online that he broke his hand in the first round.

Gonzaga faced Matt Mitrione on December 13, 2014 at UFC on Fox 13.[34] He lost the bout in the first round via TKO.

Gonzaga faced returning veteran Mirko Filipović in a rematch on April 11, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 64. after winning the first two rounds, Gonzaga was in a clinch position in which Cro Cop landed an elbow which stunned Gonzaga, Gonzaga was then finished by TKO due to elbows and punches.Gonzaga later stated that he wasn't ready for all 5 rounds, and that he was surpised by Cro Cop's strength and improved elbows. [35]

Gonzaga faced Konstantin Erokhin on December 11, 2015 at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale.[36] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[37]

Grappling credentials

ADCC Submission Wrestling Championships

Record of opponents:

  • Won: Mustapha al-Turk (pts), Ricco Rodriguez (pts), Marcio Cruz (pts), Eduardo Telles (pts)
  • Lost: Jeff Monson (pts), Xande Ribeiro (sub)

2006 Winner CBJJO Copa Do Mundo Black Belt Pesadissimo Winner CBJJ Mundials Black Belt Pesadissimo

2005 2nd CBJJO Copa Do Mundo Black Belt Pesadissimo 3rd CBJJO Copa Do Mundo Black Belt Absolute 2nd place ADCC +99 kg

2003 2nd CBJJO Copa Do Mundo Black Belt Pesadissimo 2nd CBJJO Copa Do Mundo Black Belt Absolute

2000 3rd Mundials black belt Super-Pesado

Personal life

Gonzaga and his wife have a daughter and a son.[12] They live in Ludlow, Massachusetts.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed Martial Arts


  • Fight Matrix
    • Most Lopsided Upset of the Year (2007)[39]
  • Reality Fighting
    • Reality Fighting Heavyweight Championship (One time)

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 17–10 Konstantin Erokhin Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber Finale December 11, 2015 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 16–10 Mirko Filipović TKO (elbows and punches) UFC Fight Night: Gonzaga vs. Cro Cop 2 April 11, 2015 3 3:30 Kraków, Poland Fight of the Night.
Loss 16–9 Matt Mitrione TKO (punches) UFC on Fox: dos Santos vs. Miocic December 13, 2014 1 1:59 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Loss 16–8 Stipe Miocic Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Thomson January 25, 2014 3 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Win 16–7 Shawn Jordan KO (punches) UFC 166 October 19, 2013 1 1:33 Houston, Texas, United States
Win 15–7 Dave Herman KO (punches) UFC 162 July 6, 2013 1 0:17 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 14–7 Travis Browne KO (elbows) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Jones vs. Team Sonnen Finale April 13, 2013 1 1:11 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 14–6 Ben Rothwell Submission (guillotine choke) UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping January 19, 2013 2 1:01 São Paulo, Brazil
Win 13–6 Ednaldo Oliveira Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 142 January 14, 2012 1 3:22 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 12–6 Parker Porter Submission (arm-triangle choke) Reality Fighting: Gonzaga vs. Porter October 8, 2011 3 1:50 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Won the Reality Fighting Heavyweight Championship.
Loss 11–6 Brendan Schaub Decision (unanimous) UFC 121 October 23, 2010 3 5:00 Anaheim, California, United States
Loss 11–5 Junior dos Santos KO (punches) UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones March 21, 2010 1 3:53 Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Win 11–4 Chris Tuchscherer TKO (punches) UFC 102 August 29, 2009 1 2:27 Portland, Oregon, United States
Loss 10–4 Shane Carwin KO (punch) UFC 96 March 7, 2009 1 1:09 Columbus, Ohio, United States
Win 10–3 Josh Hendricks KO (punches) UFC 91 November 15, 2008 1 1:01 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 9–3 Justin McCully Submission (americana) UFC 86 July 5, 2008 1 1:57 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 8–3 Fabrício Werdum TKO (punches) UFC 80 January 19, 2008 2 4:34 Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Loss 8–2 Randy Couture TKO (punches) UFC 74 August 25, 2007 3 1:37 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States For the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win 8–1 Mirko Filipović KO (head kick) UFC 70 April 21, 2007 1 4:51 Manchester, England UFC Heavyweight title eliminator. Knockout of the Night.
Win 7–1 Carmelo Marrero Submission (armbar) UFC 66 December 30, 2006 1 3:22 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 6–1 Fabiano Scherner TKO (punches) UFC 60 May 27, 2006 2 0:24 Los Angeles, California, United States
Win 5–1 Kevin Jordan KO (punch) UFC 56 November 19, 2005 3 4:39 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 4–1 Walter Farias Submission (neck crank) Shooto Brazil: Never Shake October 23, 2004 2 N/A São Paulo, Brazil
Win 3–1 Charlie Brown TKO (retirement) Jungle Fight 2 May 15, 2004 3 N/A Manaus, Brazil
Loss 2–1 Fabrício Werdum TKO (punches) Jungle Fight 1 October 13, 2003 3 2:11 Manaus, Brazil
Win 2–0 Branden Lee Hinkle Submission (triangle choke) Meca 9: Meca World Vale Tudo 9 August 1, 2003 1 3:54 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 1–0 Cicero Costa Submission (punches) Brazilian Gladiators 2 April 2, 2003 1 N/A São Paulo, Brazil

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-fight-night-phoenix/printFightCard
  2. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ http://boxing.nv.gov/2008%20Results/11-15-08%20MMA.pdf
  10. ↑ UFC Fighter Rankings
  11. ↑ http://www.ufc.com/fighter/Gabriel-Gonzaga
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.[dead link]
  14. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  15. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  16. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  17. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  18. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  19. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  20. ↑ http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/news/307093/Napao-MMA-return-Reality-Fighting-Sept-24/
  21. ↑ http://nagafighter.com/nagablue/index.php?module=eventinformationpage/219
  22. ↑ http://www.shockblastmedia.com/2011/10/reality-fighting-porter-vs-gonzaga-live-results-and-play-by-play/
  23. ↑ http://www.mmagoss.com/2011/10/09/gabriel-gonzaga-submits-parker-porter-takes-reality-fighting-heavyweight-championship/
  24. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  25. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  26. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  27. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  28. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  29. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  30. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  31. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  32. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  33. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  34. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  35. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  36. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  37. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  38. ↑ http://www.fightmagazine.com/mma-magazine/mma-article.asp?aid=231&issid=9
  39. ↑ http://www.fightmatrix.com/fightmatrix-awards/
  40. ↑ http://insidefights.com/2008/01/06/72906/

External links

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