Gabriel Gonzaga
17-11-0
About
Brazilian grappler and submission specialist who delivered one of MMA's greatest upsets with a head-kick KO of Mirko Cro Cop, earning a title shot but ultimately a career defined by explosive moments amid tough losses.
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Gabriel Gonzaga is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and world-class jiu-jitsu technician who made his mark in the UFC heavyweight division across two separate stints between 2005 and 2016. Born in Rio de Janeiro and a 5th degree black belt with championships in both IBJJF and ADCC competition, Gonzaga came to MMA late as a grappling specialist. His UFC debut in 2005 featured a dull opening exchange with Kevin Jordan, but he capped it with a stunning superman punch knockout that foreshadowed his knack for explosive finishes despite uneven striking.
Gonzaga's career arc reached its zenith in 2007 when he delivered one of MMA's most iconic upsets: a head-kick knockout of feared striker Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 70, a finish that earned him Knockout of the Year and an immediate heavyweight title shot against champion Randy Couture. Though he fell short in that bout, losing by TKO in the third round, Gonzaga remained a fixture in the division, stringing together first-round finishes against Josh Hendricks and others while also absorbing losses to top competition including Shane Carwin, Fabricio Werdum, and Brendan Schaub. His fighting style blended submission grappling mastery with occasional eruptions of raw striking power, but inconsistent cardio and defensive lapses made him vulnerable to relentless pressure fighters.
Gonzaga's second run in the UFC (2012-2016) saw him return from a brief hiatus in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and boxing, re-establishing himself with submission wins and more first-round knockouts before fading against younger heavyweights. His final chapter included a notable rematch with Cro Cop in 2015 where he dominated two rounds before being spectacularly stopped in the third, a comeback that earned both fighters Fight of the Night honors. Though his record of 17-11 reflects more setbacks than elite-level stability, Gonzaga is remembered as a charismatic closer capable of changing a fight with one punch or one submission hold, and above all, as the grappler who knocked out the head-kick king with his own weapon.
Why fans love Gonzaga
His head-kick KO of Mirko Cro Cop is iconic and remains one of the most replayed moments in UFC history. Gonzaga's grappling pedigree and submission skills earned respect from purists, and his sudden, explosive finishes (superman punch, head kick) delivered unforgettable moments. He showed heart fighting up in weight and against elite competition, and his rematch with Cro Cop at UFC Fight Night 64 was celebrated as a Fight of the Night despite the loss.
Why some fans hate Gonzaga
Gonzaga was involved in a controversial first-round TKO win over Chris Tuchscherer at UFC 102 after landing an illegal low blow that hurt Tuchscherer very badly; though Tuchscherer continued, the stoppage afterward felt tainted. Additionally, inconsistent striking defense and cardio made some bouts feel one-sided, and his record against top competition is mixed enough to invite questions about his peak-level ceiling.
