Brendson “The Gorilla”Ribeiro

Brendson Ribeiro is a Brazilian mixed martial artist from Belém do Pará who competes in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. The UFC lists him as an active fighter who trains at Brazilian TKO and identifies his style as striking. Ribeiro is also known by the nickname “The Gorilla.”

Ribeiro earned his UFC opportunity on Dana White’s Contender Series on September 5, 2023, stopping Bruno Lopes in the first round. The result secured Ribeiro a UFC contract and marked an important step from Brazil’s regional MMA scene to the UFC roster. UFC records his Octagon debut as February 17, 2024.

The UFC profile lists Ribeiro at 6 feet 3 inches and records that he began training in 2011. His stated favorite grappling technique is the guillotine, while he identifies Muay Thai as his preferred striking discipline. Before entering the UFC, he said he worked as a security guard and in the fields with his family.

Ribeiro has also described prior accomplishments as a two-time Paraense wrestling champion and a Shooto Brasil light heavyweight champion. As of September 24, 2026, the UFC continues to list him as active in the light heavyweight division.