Undefeated light heavyweight Raffael Cerqueira is seeking a contract with the UFC after another first-round stoppage on the Brazilian circuit, wearing a T-shirt calling out UFC CEO Dana White and company matchmaker Mick Maynard, and stating his readiness to prove his worth in the world’s biggest organization.
Raffael Cerqueira is a light heavyweight prospect. He’s undefeated and itching for a shot inside the octagon after another first-round stoppage on the Brazilian circuit.
He’s the reigning Demo Fight light 205-pound champion. Recently, he made short work of Jhonathan Azevedo in just 77 seconds at Brave CF 78 card in Fortaleza, Brazil, on Dec. 7.
After the fight, he wore a T-shirt calling out UFC CEO Dana White and company matchmaker Mick Maynard for a contract. This tactic worked for his teammate Jailton Almeida in the past.
Cerqueira had a message for Mick and Dana. He asked, “What else so I need to do to prove my worth and show I’m ready to fight in the world’s biggest organization?” He had just knocked out a guy that nobody wanted to fight, and made it look easy.
He’s got two training partners in the UFC, ‘Malhadinho’ and Eduarda Moura. He’s ready. He’s from a grappling-based team, but he’s a striker, too. He’s well-rounded and ready to prove that in the UFC.
In 2023, Cerqueira won three straight. It’s the same amount of wins he scored in 2022. He’s hoping his next bout is under the UFC banner.
He said, “Every fighter says they deserve to be in the UFC but I’m proving it.” His fights aren’t taking long. He won one by submission and now he finished another with a knockout. He’s just waiting for Mick and Dana White to give him an opportunity to show his value.
In his most recent bout, Cerqueira showcased heavy kicks. He said that working with UFC heavyweight contender Jailton Almeida in the gym makes him comfortable enough to unleash everything he’s got without worrying about takedowns.
He said, “If you want to take me down in a fight, you’ll have to work really hard, man.” He trains with Almeida and sees what he does inside the octagon. It’s an honor to train with him. Almeida is building his name in the UFC, and Cerqueira can only thank him for the training he gives him in the gym. They go for it, man. ‘Malhadinho’ is an example both inside and outside the gym.