Gabriel Gonzaga is one of the most memorable heavyweights in combat sports history. He shocked the world with his legendary head kick knockout of Mirko Cro Cop.
Since then, fans have followed his journey from the UFC octagon to professional boxing and bare-knuckle fighting.
In this article, you will know Gabriel Gonzaga’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Gabriel Gonzaga’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gabriel Gonzaga Santos Nogueira |
| Date of Birth | May 18, 1979 |
| Age | 46 |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | ~242 lbs (110 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2003 (MMA) |
| Net Worth | $1 Million (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings | $1.5 Million+ (Estimated) |
| Wife | Cau Janoni |
| Children | 2 (1 Son, 1 Daughter) |
Early Career
Gabriel Gonzaga started his martial arts journey in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He began training in Judo when he was 14 years old.
Later, he switched to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) under the guidance of Wander Braga. Gonzaga quickly proved his skills on the mats. He earned his black belt and won several grappling competitions in Brazil.
He transitioned to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in 2003. His early fights took place in Brazilian promotions like Shooto Brazil. Gonzaga won his first few matches easily. He used his superior grappling to submit opponents quickly.
His strong performances caught the attention of major organizations. In 2005, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) signed him. He made his debut at UFC 56 with a knockout win over Kevin Jordan.
Professional Career
Gonzaga’s career took a huge leap at UFC 70 in 2007. He fought the feared striker Mirko Cro Cop. Most fans expected Cro Cop to win.
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Instead, Gonzaga knocked him out with a high head kick. This victory earned him a shot at the UFC Heavyweight Championship. He faced Randy Couture for the title at UFC 74 but lost the fight by TKO.
After his UFC run, Gonzaga did not stop fighting. He explored other combat sports. In 2017, he made his professional boxing debut. He defeated Alejandro Esquilin Santiago by decision.
Two years later, he tried bare-knuckle boxing. At BKFC 8 in 2019, he knocked out fellow UFC veteran Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva. Gonzaga proved he could fight in any rule set. He also focused on teaching and opened his own gym, Team Link, in Massachusetts.
Wife
Gabriel Gonzaga is a family man. He is married to Cau Janoni. The couple has built a life together in Ludlow, Massachusetts.
They moved there during the peak of his fighting career. Gabriel and Cau have two children, a daughter and a son.
He often shares moments with his family on social media, showing a softer side behind the tough fighter image.
Gabriel Gonzaga’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Gabriel Gonzaga has an estimated net worth of $1 million. His wealth comes from fight purses, bonuses, and his gym business.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 70 | Mirko Cro Cop | $60,000 (Win) |
| UFC Fight Night 64 | Mirko Cro Cop (Rematch) | $50,000 (Bonus only) |
| UFC Fight Night 86 | Derrick Lewis | $20,000 (Reebok Pay) |
| UFC 100 | Chris Tuchscherer | $110,000 |
| BKFC 8 | Antonio Silva | Undisclosed (Main Event) |
Career Earnings
| Year | Activity Level | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | UFC Contender | $150,000+ |
| 2012 | UFC Veteran | $907,000 (Career Total to date) |
| 2015 | UFC Fighter | $100,000+ |
| 2016 | Final UFC Run | $50,000+ |
| 2019 | BKFC Debut | High 5-Figures (Est.) |
Career Stats
| Discipline | Wins | Losses | Draws | Total Fights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMA | 17 | 12 | 0 | 29 |
| Pro Boxing | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Bare Knuckle | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
FAQs
1. Is Gabriel Gonzaga still fighting professionally?
He has officially fought since his bare-knuckle victory. However, he remains active in the martial arts community through his gym and training.
2. Did Gabriel Gonzaga ever win the UFC Heavyweight Championship?
He challenged Randy Couture for the title at UFC 74 but lost the fight. He never held the official UFC heavyweight belt.
3. What is Gabriel Gonzaga’s rank in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
He holds a 5th-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He received his black belt from Wander Braga before entering the UFC.
4. Who did Gabriel Gonzaga beat in his boxing debut?
He defeated Alejandro Esquilin Santiago in his first and only professional boxing match. The fight took place in October 2017 in Massachusetts.
5. Where does Gabriel Gonzaga live now?
He currently resides in Ludlow, Massachusetts. He operates his Team Link training center there and lives with his wife and children.
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