Rafael “Macapa”Estevam

Rafael Estevam, known as “Macapá,” is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC. Born on August 10, 1996, in Macapá, Brazil, he trains with Nova União in Rio de Janeiro and holds a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. His nickname refers to the Brazilian state where he was born. Estevam began training in jiu-jitsu in 2012 before transitioning into mixed martial arts and turning professional in 2015.

Estevam won titles in Shooto Brasil and Fatality Arena Shooto before joining the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series. He stopped João Elias during the September 27, 2022, Contender Series episode, then made his UFC debut on April 22, 2023. In the UFC, he earned decision victories over Charles Johnson, Jesus Santos Aguilar and Felipe Bunes before moving to bantamweight for his April 4, 2026, bout with Ethyn Ewing. Ewing stopped him by strikes in the third round. UFC lists Estevam as an active bantamweight fighter as of September 29, 2026; no current team change or release was identified in the retrieved official sources.

Estevam’s game is built around grappling, positional control and submission threats, supported by a measured approach on the feet. His documented finishes include knockouts and submissions, while his UFC victories have also included patient, full-distance performances. The UFC describes him as a methodical prospect whose progression has been shaped by consistency, training at Nova União and adapting between the flyweight and bantamweight divisions.