Pedro Falcão Record: 16-5-0

Earning the call

After a long apprenticeship in Brazil, Falcão broke through on Dana White's Contender Series in October 2021, finishing James Barnes with third-round ground-and-pound. The win did not immediately land him a UFC deal, so he kept competing and stayed sharp, including a four-round split-draw boxing match with Anderson dos Santos in July 2023 and a second-round rear-naked choke of Leonardo Morales that November. The persistence paid off with a UFC contract.

UFC tenure

Falcão's promotional run has been a test against the division's gatekeepers. He debuted in April 2024 against the rangy Victor Hugo and dropped a unanimous decision in a competitive bout. He returned in April 2025 to face the experienced Victor Henry, again losing on the cards over three rounds. The results have come against tough, established opponents, and his finishing background still gives him a puncher's chance to turn any fight in an instant.

Fighting style

Falcão is one of the more well-rounded finishers in his division, with a finishing breakdown that splits almost evenly between knockouts and submissions: six of his sixteen wins have come by knockout or TKO and five by submission, for a 69% finish rate. He can end a fight with his hands or hunt the choke and armbar on the mat, and his Nova União grappling pedigree shows in his comfort in scrambles. The honest concern is at the highest level: all of his recent setbacks have come by decision against rangier, more polished UFC opposition, suggesting that output and ring generalship over three full rounds are where the elite have edged him. When he can impose his finishing game, though, few in the division are as dangerous.

Career highlights

• Contender Series finish — stopped James Barnes with third-round ground-and-pound to earn his shot at the sport's biggest stage.
• Two-way finishing threat — owns six wins by knockout or TKO and five by submission, a 69% finish rate built on power and a deep Nova União grappling base.
• Regional proving ground — beat the 30-win veteran Iliarde Santos during a long, battle-tested run through Shooto Brasil.