Augusto Mendes

Augusto 'Tanquinho' Mendes is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and accomplished Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion who made a competitive late-career transition to MMA. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1983, Mendes earned world-class credentials in grappling, capturing IBJJF World titles at 70 kg (2013) and World No-Gi championships in 2012 and 2015, along with Abu Dhabi Pro victories in 2011 and 2013. After an unbeaten amateur MMA run, he signed with the UFC in 2015 and made his promotional debut in February 2016 on short notice against rising star Cody Garbrandt, suffering a first-round knockout that exposed the speed and striking power at the elite bantamweight level.

Mendes rebounded with a submission-heavy fighting style that reflected his jiu-jitsu mastery. In January 2017, after recovering from ACL surgery, he secured a split-decision victory over Frankie Saenz that earned Fight of the Night recognition, highlighting his grappling edge and technical ground control. However, when he faced Aljamain Sterling in April 2017, he lost via unanimous decision, signaling further struggles against the UFC's elite competition. With 67% of his wins coming by submission and a ground-oriented approach, Mendes represented the classic mold of a jiu-jitsu virtuoso learning to navigate the multidimensional demands of modern MMA. A USADA suspension led to his release from the UFC in June 2018, after which he competed in Absolute Championship Berkut and other international promotions, continuing his career outside the major spotlight.