Hugo “Silverback” Cunha
28 | 6’4” | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | 6-0 | 100% finish rate | 3 KO/TKOs, 3 Submissions (Rear-naked Choke) | Combined Opponents’ Record: 15-6 | Best Win – Henrique Silva (5-1)
The “Silverback” makes the list once again, for the third year running. Hugo Cunha doesn’t have a lot of experience in MMA but is a Brazilian National Team wrestler and a BJJ black belt. You will notice his level of competition has been poor as he’s fought three opponents with an 0-0 record. That said, they were the first three fights of his pro career. Cunha has looked dominant thus far in his career and that’s with a 100% finish rate. He’s had a lot of trouble getting fights though. He was even supposed to fight last season on the Contender Series but he had to pull out. He competed once in 2021, after sitting out all of 2020.
Cunha reminds me of former UFC fighter Juan Adams in terms of style in the sense that he’s a bit sloppy on the feet but once he gets the takedown, he’s in his world. Cunha has stopping ability with big ground-and-pound using his size to stay heavy on top. He’s also very good at grabbing the neck. Cunha still needs a lot of work but is someone to watch for this year if he can fight.
