Raulian Paiva


Raulian Paiva Franzão is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who competes in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As of July 14, 2020, he is #12 in the UFC flyweight rankings.

Background

Paiva was born and raised Santana, Amapá, Brazil where he still trains. He started his MMA career at the age of 18. On 21 October 2018 Paiva and his girlfriend Tieli Alves were leaving a party in their hometown on motorcycle when they were intentionally struck by a car driven by individuals they had gotten into an argument with at the event. Paiva did not suffer any serious injuries but his girlfriend Alves suffered serious head trama and remained in a coma for six days before dying. The alleged occupants of the car, Elber Nunes Zacheu and Johny de Souza Amoras, were later arrested by police. In remembrance of his late girlfriend Paiva has had her name written on his mouthguard during his UFC fights.

Mixed martial arts career

Dana White Contender Series

Dawson appeared in Dana WhiteContender Series Brazil - Season 1, Episode 1 web-series program. He faced Gustavo Gabriel Silva on August 10, 2018 and won the fight via split decision. With the win, Paiva was offered a UFC contract.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Paiva made his UFC debut on February 10, 2019 at UFC 234 where he faced New Zealand fighter Kai Kara-France. He lost the fight on a split decision.
His next fight was on August 10, 2019 at against Rogério Bontorin. He lost the fight via technical knockout after receiving a deep gash on his eyebrow.
Paiva faced Mark De La Rosa on February 15, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 167. He won the fight via knockout in the second round.
Paiva faced Zhalgas Zhumagulov on July 11, 2020 at UFC 251. At the weigh ins, Paiva weighed in at 129 pounds, 3 pounds over the flyweight non-title limit. He was fined 20% of his purse. The bout proceeded at catchweight. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Mixed martial arts record