Brazilian fighter who defeated former UFC champion is released after ten years in the organization.

Photo: UFC Brazil

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos has been released. Considered a promising Brazilian fighter when he started in the UFC, Elizeu 'Capoeira' spent ten years with the organization. The Brazilian was coming off two consecutive losses before the news broke.

Known as 'Capoeira', Elizeu Zaleski was considered a promising Brazilian talent at the start of his journey with Dana White's company. Elizeu debuted against Nicholas Dalby at UFC Fight Night 67, on May 30, 2015. Zaleski lost via split decision.

❌ Fighter removed: Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos

— UFC Roster Watch (@UFCRosterWatch) December 23, 2025

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Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos has a professional MMA record of 25 wins, ten losses, and one draw. The Brazilian recorded 11 wins, six losses, and one draw during his ten-year tenure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

🚨ROSTER UPDATE🚨

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos has been removed from the UFC roster. pic.twitter.com/DcRm3o27Sf

— Kevin (@realkevink) December 23, 2025

Elizeu Zaleski reached the top 15 of the welterweight division (up to 77kg) at his peak, before being defeated by Jingliang Li via technical knockout (punches) in the third round of UFC Fight Night 157, on August 31, 2019.

'Capoeira's' UFC record includes a knockout victory against the American. Sean Strickland, who would go on to become middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) at event number 293 against Israel adesanya.

After 10 years of career with the UFC, 🇧🇷 Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (25-10-1) is a coupé par l'orga. Avec un bilan de 11-6-1 à l'UFC, il avait atteint le top 15 des WW à son prime, avant d'être stoppé par 🇨🇳 li jingliang.

Il compte notamment une victoire par KO sur 🇺🇸 Sean… pic.twitter.com/8ja46Bpvwg

— MMA PROPAGANDE 👊🇫🇷 (@MMAPropagande) December 23, 2025

Who is Elizeu Capoeira, the former UFC fighter?

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos is a Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter who competed in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). 'Capoeira' was the welterweight champion of... Jungle Fight In Brazil, Elizeu also fought for organizations such as Smash Fight, Sparta – MMA, Beltrao Combat, among others.