Francisco Trinaldo

Francisco Trinaldo is a 47-year-old Brazilian mixed martial artist and a fixture of global combat sports since turning pro in 2006. Born August 24, 1978, he built his reputation through early success in Brazilian promotions, winning the Jungle Fight Lightweight Championship and earning recognition as a top prospect. After joining the UFC in 2012 at UFC 147, Trinaldo competed at lightweight and later welterweight for over a decade, racking up 26 appearances in the octagon. While he never reached championship contention, he posted notable victories over established fighters including Paul Felder, Jim Miller, John Makdessi and Yancy Medeiros, with the latter earning Fight of the Night honors at UFC 198.

Trinaldo's fighting style is rooted in technical grappling and submissions. A methodical wrestler with a keen eye for arm-triangle chokes and kneebars, he controlled fights through positioning and ground exchanges rather than striking volume or knockout power. He remained a durable, consistent competitor throughout his UFC tenure, though he struggled against top-ranked opponents and was ultimately released by the promotion in January 2023 after a decision loss to Randy Brown.

What sets Trinaldo apart is his resilience both inside and outside the cage. He overcame genuine financial hardship early in his career, famously unable to afford bus fare to training sessions, yet persisted to become a long-tenured UFC veteran. Since leaving the UFC, he has thrived in alternative formats, winning three straight fights in bareknuckle MMA and submission-grappling promotions. At 47, he remains competitive and outspoken, recently expressing a desire to capture the DBX welterweight title and challenge BKFC's Mike Perry for the "King of Violence" crown. Trinaldo's longevity, hunger, and willingness to compete on unconventional platforms have made him a respected figure among fans who value grit and technical skill over celebrity.