Augusto Mendes, widely known as “Tanquinho” in the world of mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, has made a significant impact in both disciplines.
This article teaches you about Augusto Mendes’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Augusto Mendes’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Augusto Mendes |
| Nickname | Tanquinho |
| Born | March 3, 1983 |
| Age | 41 years old |
| Weight | 61 kg |
| Martial art | Brazilian jiu-jitsu |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 5’6″ (167.64 cm) |
| Net Worth | Over $1 million |
| Salary | Varies per fight |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Instagram Profile | @tanquinhojj |
Early Career
Augusto Mendes began his martial arts journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he quickly made a name for himself.
He earned his black belt under the renowned Andre Pederneiras and became a highly accomplished competitor in the sport.
Mendes won multiple world championships in BJJ, showcasing his exceptional grappling skills and earning the nickname “Tanquinho,” which means “little tank” in Portuguese.
His success in BJJ competitions laid the foundation for his transition into mixed martial arts.
Professional Career
Mendes made his professional MMA debut in 2013, winning his first 5 fights impressively. His grappling prowess translated well to MMA, as he secured several victories by submission.
He made his UFC debut on short notice against future bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt, losing by knockout.
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Despite this setback, Mendes bounced back with a split decision victory over Frankie Saenz in 2017, earning the Fight of the Night bonus.
His UFC career was short-lived, however, as he faced challenges with injuries and a potential USADA violation. After his release from the UFC, Mendes continued his MMA career in other promotions.
Augusto Mendes’s Net Worth Details
Augusto Mendes‘s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Result | Purse |
|---|---|---|---|
| UFC Fight Night 103 | Frankie Saenz | Win | $20,000 ($10,000 to show, $10,000 win bonus) |
Endorsements
- MMA gear and equipment brands
- Nutrition and supplement companies
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies or instructional platforms
Career Records
| Opponent | Result | Event | Date | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Igor Zhirkov | Loss | ACA 96 | Jun 8, 2019 | Decision (Split) |
| Aljamain Sterling | Loss | UFC on Fox 24 | Apr 15, 2017 | Decision (Unanimous) |
| Frankie Saenz | Win | UFC Fight Night 103 | Jan 15, 2017 | Decision (Split) |
| Cody Garbrandt | Loss | UFC Fight Night 83 | Feb 21, 2016 | KO (Punches) |
| Donald Williams | Win | LFC 43 | Jul 17, 2015 | Submission (Triangle Choke) |
FAQs
1. Who is Augusto Mendes?
Augusto Mendes, nicknamed “Tanquinho,” is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and a 4th-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt under Master Francisco Mansur. He is a former IBJJF World Champion and ADCC World Champion.
2. What are Augusto Mendes’ major accomplishments in BJJ?
Mendes has won multiple prestigious titles, including the IBJJF World Championship (2013), IBJJF No-Gi World Championship (2012, 2015), and UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro Championship (2011, 2013). He also claimed the ADCC World Championship in 2019.
3. What is Augusto Mendes’ MMA record?
He has a professional MMA record of 6 wins and 3 losses, with victories by knockout, submission, and decision.
4. When did Augusto Mendes make his MMA debut?
Mendes made his MMA debut on December 4, 2014, at King of the Cage: Fisticuffs, where he won via first-round armbar.
5. What is Augusto Mendes’ fighting style?
His foundational style is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, complemented by Muay Thai and wrestling. He is known for techniques like pressure passing and maintaining strong grips to control opponents.
6. What was Augusto Mendes’ UFC debut?
Mendes debuted in the UFC on February 21, 2016, at UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Cowboy against Cody Garbrandt but lost via first-round knockout.
7. Why was Augusto Mendes suspended by USADA?
He tested positive for ostarine, a banned substance, leading to a suspension by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). Mendes denied intentional use of performance-enhancing drugs.
8. What inspired Augusto Mendes to start BJJ?
His older brother, Bruno Mendes, encouraged him to train in BJJ at the age of 14 in 1997. Within months of training, he won a bronze medal in the Rio State Championship.
9. What is the significance of Soul Fighters Gym in his career?
Mendes co-founded Soul Fighters Gym with Rafael Barbosa and Leandro Escobar. The gym became an international success and played a key role in his development as a top-tier grappler.
10. What is Augusto Mendes’ professional BJJ record?
In professional grappling matches, Mendes has competed in 101 bouts with 69 wins and 30 losses, showcasing his dominance in the sport over the years.
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