Raphael “Bebezao” Pessoa
6’3″
Heavyweight
30-years-old
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Team New Corpore
9-0
6 KO/TKO
1 Submission (Kimura)
How Does Raphael Pessoa Fare in the UFC:
Pessoa has run through his opposition, finishing seven of his nine wins. There isn’t too much footage on him out there, but there is enough to get a good read. Pessoa is a wild striker who throws rights and lefts from his hips. The Brazilian has big power in both hands with six wins coming from his hands. He has some powerful leg kicks he quickly goes right after and stays heavy on the hips. Pessoa throws from his hands to his waist and while that can be useful, it also opens him up to be easily countered. He storms forward throwing looping hooks but does it with his chin high and hands low, waiting to be tagged. He’s a fun fighter but has only defeated two guys with a winning record. At 30, I don’t see much of a future for Pessoa in the UFC.
- Striking: C
- Kickboxing: C+
- Clinch: C
- Wrestling: C
- Grappling: C
- Striking Defense: C
- Takedown Defense: B-
- Cardio: C
- Biggest Strength: Power
- Biggest Weakness: Hands low
How They Match Up:
It would be wise for Raphael Pessoa to try and take Ciryl Gane to the mat but I don’t see him doing that. Gane is just much more dangerous on the feet in every aspect. I’d look for Gane to apply his jab often as Pessoa will storm forward. Gane is much faster and technical and that will show early in the fight. I don’t see how Pessoa wins this as Gane is just a horrible match up for him.
