The common goal among most up-and-coming regional (or international) mixed martial arts (MMA) prospects is to one day compete for Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Other major promotions such as Bellator MMA, Professional Fighter’s Leagues, and ONE Championship are not far behind. Literally, countless prospects across the globe are all working toward the same career goal, […]
The common goal among most up-and-coming regional (or international) mixed martial arts (MMA) prospects is to one day compete for Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Other major promotions such as Bellator MMA, Professional Fighter’s Leagues, and ONE Championship are not far behind. Literally, countless prospects across the globe are all working toward the same career goal, making it difficult to stand out in the sea of competition. As often as possible, MMAmania.com will highlight a different combat sports prospect to keep your eyes on.
Eduardo Penha
Age: 29
Height: 58”
Weight class: Bantamweight
Record: 7-0
Gym: Sergio Penha Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Being the son of a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) icon can be a heavy burden, but Eduardo Penha isn’t shying away from it — he’s embracing it.
His father, Sergio Penha, is one of fewer than 40 coral belts (7th-degree black belts) in the world, with just eight of them based in the United States. Beyond his rank, Sergio is credited as one of the key developers of the closed guard position, making him a historic figure in BJJ.
Eduardo, however, is forging his own path in mixed martial arts (MMA), quickly rising as one of the brightest Bantamweight prospects on the regional scene. A certified finisher, the 29-year-old has built a perfect 7-0 record with an 86 percent finish rate, six of those wins coming by submission — all but one in the first round.
By all accounts, he seemed like a lock for Season 9 of Contender Series, but the call never came. Instead of being discouraged, Eduardo is doubling down on his activity and finish-first approach.
“I’m gonna keep doing my part. I fought two weeks ago, and I’m trying to get a fight booked for two weeks from now,” Penha told MMAMania.com. “I’m showing my activity, I’m showing my finish rate. I’m not just finishing with common positions; I’m showing how I can finish with the different tools I have. I’m doing my job and making myself available.”
Raised on the mats thanks to his legendary father, Eduardo also found wrestling in high school and went on to become an All-American in college. Afterward, he added striking to his arsenal, rounding out his game. Though he hasn’t scored a knockout yet, it’s mostly because his grappling is so dominant that opponents rarely survive long enough to give him the chance.
Recently, Eduardo showcased his flair for submissions with a modified kimura finish at Tuff-N-Uff 147, a victory that came in the opening round. Just before that, he added a former UFC fighter to his resume, tapping Joshua Weems in under two minutes.
To put a pin in it, Eduardo’s message to the UFC is simple: keep ignoring him, and regional promotions are going to need bigger insurance policies.
“I understand that nobody owes me anything, and I’m just gonna keep doing my job, and I’m gonna keep banging on that door, and it’s going to be louder and louder,” Eduardo said. “In my last four fights, none of them have gone over two minutes. I’m gonna keep banging on that f—king door, and it’s only gonna get worse these. I say this confidently, not arrogantly, but statements are only gonna get bigger.”
“I’m not trying to hurt anybody. But these promotions are gonna have to start taking out a bigger insurance claims to help these guys out, because this wolf is gonna get bigger. I’m gonna get stronger, and I’m gonna get meaner, and I’m only gonna bang on this door harder.”
With a legendary surname, a perfect record, and a habit of tearing through opponents, it feels like only a matter of time before Eduardo Penha gets his Octagon shot.
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Category: General Sports
