Manumito celebrates his victory in the Contender Series. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Knockout prospect Manoel Manumito returns to the octagon next Saturday (8), at UFC Vegas 120 , looking to consolidate his place in the world's largest MMA organization. The Brazilian faces Richie Miranda in a duel valid for the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) and arrives for the confrontation as one of the most dangerous athletes in the category, thanks to his aggressive style and high rate of wins by knockout.
Manumito secured his spot in the UFC through the Contender Series, where he drew attention by knocking out Christian Pérez in the third round in August 2025. He maintained his momentum in his official Ultimate debut, repeating the result, again in the third round, by defeating Bolaji Oki in March of this year, extending his streak of decisive performances.
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Before entering the Contender Series, the fighter had already built a reputation as a dangerous athlete on the national scene. In his fourth professional fight, Manoel starred in a confrontation that years later gained even more importance: he faced Mauricio Ruffy , then one of the great promises of the lightweight category, and emerged victorious by knockout.
How was the fight between Manumito and Luffy?
The duel started evenly, with both athletes putting on a very competitive first round. Manumito returned stronger for the second round and took advantage of an opening to connect with a series of punches that led to his opponent's knockout, achieving one of the most important victories of his career. The result marked Ruffy's first defeat in professional MMA and, years later, gained even more relevance with the rise of both to the UFC.
Check out the video of the fight:
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Manumito's career in MMA
Manoel Manumito at the UFC weigh-in. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
At 29 years old, Manoel Manumito is one of the top Brazilian prospects in the UFC lightweight division. The fighter has a professional record of 14 wins and one loss, with the majority of his victories achieved by stoppage (12), reflecting his aggressive style and great knockout power. After standing out on the national scene, he secured a spot in the world's largest MMA organization.
Maurício Ruffy will face Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331.
Ruffy focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
On the night of last Wednesday (5), the UFC announced the main fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Joshua Van and the co-main event, the duel between Tsarukyan and Ruffy which could define the next challenger for the belt, according to the Brazilian.
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