Vinicius Moreira


Vinicius Moreira Castro is a Brazilian mixed martial artist currently competing in the Light heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background

Inspired by Minotauro Nogueira's fights in Pride FC, Moreira started training jiu-jitsu in 2006 as his first martial art. After growing unmotivated by jiu-jitsu, he started training mixed martial arts in 2015, making his professional debut in the following year.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Moreira began his MMA career by compiling an MMA record of 8–1 by competing mainly within the Brazilian regional MMA circuit as well as in India for Super Fight League.

Dana White's Contender Series Brazil

Moreira faced John Allan Arte on August 11, 2018 at Dana White's Contender Series Brazil 3. He won the fight via submission with a triangle choke and was awarded with a UFC contract.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Moreira made his UFC debut against Alonzo Menifield on January 19, 2019 at. He lost the fight via technical knockout due to punches in the first round.
Moreira then faced Eryk Anders on June 29, 2019 at. He lost the fight via knockout due to punches in the first round.
Moreira next faced Paul Craig on September 21, 2019 at. He lost the fight via submission with a rear-naked choke in the first round.
Moreira was scheduled to face Tyson Pedro on February 23, 2020 at. However, Pedro withdrew from the bout in early January due to an undisclosed injury.
Moreira was expected to face Modestas Bukauskas on July 15, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 172. However, on July 3, 2020 Moreira was tested positive for COVID-19 and he was removed from the event.

Championships and accomplishments