The UFC’s rich history wouldn’t be complete without Brazil. From the unforgettable reign of Anderson Silva to the groundbreaking achievements of Amanda Nunes, Brazilian fighters have left an undeniable mark on the sport. Today, that proud legacy lives on through fighters and champions like Alex Pereira and Alexandre Pantoja. But while ‘Poatan’ holds the torch at the top, Brazil remains a breeding ground for fresh talent—like 29-year-old Rodolfo Bellato, a promising force in the light heavyweight division.
Since joining the promotion, Bellato has compiled a record of 1-0 with one draw. His most notable performance came earlier this year at UFC 312 in Australia, where he went toe-to-toe with Jimmy Crute in a gritty majority draw. Though the bout was closely contested, many fans felt Rodolfo Bellato had won, calling the result a “robbery” for Crute. Now, the Brazilian is ready to turn the page. He’s set to face veteran Paul Craig—who finds himself on a three-fight skid—at UFC Vegas 106, taking place this weekend at the UFC Apex in Nevada.
While Rodolfo Bellato’s skills have already earned him attention, it’s not just his fighting that has fans intrigued. His nickname, ‘Trator,’ has sparked curiosity as well. What does it mean? And how does it reflect the mindset of this rising Brazilian contender? Let’s dive into the story of Bellato and uncover the meaning behind the name.
Why is Rodolfo Bellato called ‘Trator’?
Muhammad Ali once said, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. His hands can’t hit what his eyes can’t see.” But he missed one harsh reality of combat sports—you can also steamroll your opponent like a tractor on a mission. And that’s exactly the kind of raw power Rodolfo Bellato brings to the Octagon. Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, ‘Trator’ began carving his path in MMA through the regional circuits in 2017.
With a dominant five-fight winning streak, he quickly caught the attention of fight fans. His first DWCS appearance briefly halted his momentum, but his foundation in Brazilian jiu-jitsu remained as strong as ever. It’s also where his nickname was born. In an interview with the UFC, Rodolfo Bellato revealed the backstory behind “Trator,” which means “Tractor” in Portuguese.
“When I was younger and would compete in jiu-jitsu, I would end up crushing the kids my age because of my size,” Bellato shared. “My friends and coaches said I was like a tractor running over them—so the nickname stuck.”
Unknown to many, Rodolfo Bellato made his DWCS 6.7 debut with a solid Brazilian jiu-jitsu background. He entered the Octagon full of hope but came up short in his first fight. Still undeterred by his early setback, ‘Trator’ came back stronger in 2023 at DWCS 7.9, where he unleashed a powerful knockout against Murtaza Talha, securing his spot on the UFC roster.
Now that we’ve seen his rise in the cage, let’s dive deeper into Rodolfo Bellato’s roots—his early life, background, and the journey that shaped him into the fighter he is today.
Rodolfo Bellato’s background and early life
Like many of Brazil’s finest MMA exports, Rodolfo Bellato had his sights set on greatness from a young age. While other kids were still figuring things out, ‘Trator’ was already clocking hours in the gym—grinding, learning, and building a skill set that would eventually shape him into a complete fighter. Early on, he immersed himself in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but he didn’t stop there.
The Brazilian also trained in Muay Thai and wrestling, steadily evolving into the kind of well-rounded athlete today’s UFC demands. His talent didn’t take long to shine. By the age of 10, Rodolfo Bellato had already earned his first championship belt—an early indicator that the young Brazilian was destined for big things. In a candid interview, he revealed what sparked his journey into the world of combat sports:
“I started fighting at age 14 because I was the chubby kid at school who got bullied, and I was the last pick at soccer. I started training because of a friend, and after my first experimental jiu-jitsu class, I asked my dad to pay my membership for six months—and I haven’t stopped since.”
Of course, the path to success in MMA is rarely a smooth one. Rodolfo Bellato’s journey came with its fair share of injuries and setbacks. But each time adversity struck, he bounced back—stronger, smarter, and more determined. Between his two appearances on Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS 6.7 and 7.9), Bellato sharpened his game in the LFA.
Now, at UFC Vegas 106, Bellato faces off against seasoned veteran Paul Craig. Although Craig’s recent performances have been inconsistent, he’s still the only fighter to have defeated Dagestani standout Magomed Ankalaev—making him a tough and dangerous opponent. Can the Brazilian dominate Craig and make a statement? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for all the latest updates.
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