Vinicius Sacchelli Cenci Record: 10-2-0

Stepping onto the big stage

After another rear-naked choke finish at Gladiator Challenge in 2021, Cenci earned his shot on Dana White's Contender Series in September 2022, facing the highly regarded Sam Patterson (9-1-1). It proved a step up in level: Patterson, a fellow grappler, turned the tables and submitted Cenci by rear-naked choke in the second round, handing him only the second loss of his career – and, notably, both of his defeats have come by submission, against the very weapon he himself relies on.

Rebound and UAE Warriors

Cenci bounced back with a win at CWB Fight League in 2023, then took his talents to the international stage with UAE Warriors. At UAE Warriors 48 in March 2024 he picked up arguably the signature win of his career, outpointing the highly experienced Yabna N'Tchalá (10-1-1) by decision – a notable result against a polished opponent and proof that Cenci can also win when the finish doesn't come, lifting his record to 10-2.

Fighting style

Cenci is a submission-first lightweight with a 90% finish rate and a clear identity on the mat. Seven of his ten wins have come by submission – rear-naked chokes and guillotines his specialties – with two more by knockout and just one by decision. His game is to close the distance, force the grappling exchange and hunt the choke, and his length helps him control opponents once the fight hits the floor. The honest weakness is the mirror image of his strength: both of his losses came by rear-naked choke against fellow high-level grapplers, the one scenario where his own game has been beaten at its own discipline.

Career highlights

• Submission specialist — finished seven of his ten wins by submission, posting a 90% overall finish rate.
• UAE Warriors statement win — outpointed the experienced Yabna N'Tchalá (10-1-1) by decision at UAE Warriors 48 in 2024.
• Contender Series appearance — earned a Dana White's Contender Series bout in 2022 against top prospect Sam Patterson.