Davi Ramos

Davi Ramos is a Brazilian submission artist who made his UFC debut in 2017 at age 30, carrying a jiu-jitsu background and a track record of success in regional MMA. Early in his octagon tenure, he announced himself with a string of impressive finishes: three rear-naked choke submissions in quick succession against Chris Gruetzemacher, Nick Hein, and John Gunther. These wins, combined with a decision victory over Austin Hubbard in May 2019, positioned him as a dangerous lightweight with elite grappling and submission defense. However, Ramos's path intersected with rising elite competition when he faced Islam Makhachev at UFC 242 in September 2019, losing a clear unanimous decision that exposed the limits of his striking and wrestling at the highest level. A subsequent loss to Arman Tsarukyan in July 2020 (after a COVID-19 postponement) marked the end of his UFC chapter; the promotion did not offer him a new contract.

Ramos's fighting style is rooted in Brazilian jiu-jitsu excellence. He hunts control and the back, with the rear-naked choke as his signature finish; nearly 70% of his wins come by submission. His striking is utilitarian rather than sharp, and while his takedown defense is respectable, his offensive wrestling is limited. These limitations became clearer as he climbed the UFC ladder, but against mid-tier opponents his grappling remains formidable.

After two years on the sidelines, Ramos signed with Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) in 2022 and competed in their Lightweight Grand Prix, establishing himself in their top-10 rankings. He has also kept one foot in professional jiu-jitsu, competing in grappling tournaments including the ADCC World Championship. At 36, he remains active in ACA and represents the archetypal pure grappler: a technician whose resume transcends MMA and speaks to a lifetime investment in submissions and positional control.