Lando Vannata, widely known by his nickname “Groovy,” is a professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC.
Known for his dynamic fighting style and thrilling performances, Vannata has carved a niche for himself in the world of MMA. Here’s an in-depth look at his life, career, and achievements.
Lando Vannata’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Landon Anthony Vannata |
| Nickname | Groovy |
| Date of Birth | March 14, 1992 |
| Age | 32 years old |
| Place of Birth | Neptune, New Jersey, USA |
| Height | 5’9” (175 cm) |
| Weight Class | Featherweight/Lightweight |
| College | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (dropped out after one semester) |
| Religion | – |
| Nationality | American |
| Turned Pro | 2012 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 |
| Salary | Approx. $53,000 per fight (varies per event and bonuses) |
| Relationship Status | Unknown |
| Instagram Profile | @groovylando |
Early Career
Lando Vannata began his journey in combat sports at the age of 13, training in wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
He later attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga but left to pursue MMA full-time, joining the prestigious Jackson Wink MMA Academy.
Professional Career
In May 2012, he made his professional debut and went undefeated with an 8–0 record across various promotions like RFA and Pancrase.
His early success showcased his potential, leading to his UFC debut in 2016. Vannata’s professional career has been marked by thrilling fights and memorable performances.
He debuted against Tony Ferguson on short notice at UFC Fight Night 91 and nearly upset the top contender before losing via submission. This fight earned him a “Fight of the Night” bonus.
His spinning wheel kick knockout of John Makdessi at UFC 206 remains one of the most iconic moments in UFC history.
Despite a mixed record (12–7–2), Vannata has consistently delivered exciting bouts, earning multiple post-fight bonuses for his entertaining style.
Lando Vannata’s Net Worth Details
Lando Vannata’s net worth is estimated to be $500,000 as of 2025.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Base Salary | Bonus/Incentives | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Andrade | Charles Jourdain | $42,000 | $11,000 | $53,000 |
| UFC 262 | Mike Grundy | $50,000 | $50,000 (bonus) | $100,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs Shahbazyan | Bobby Green | $48,000 | $50,000 (bonus) | $98,000 |
Career Records
Vannata’s professional record stands at 12 wins, 7 losses, and 2 draws. Below is a table highlighting some of his notable opponents:
| Opponent | Result | Method | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tony Ferguson | Loss | Submission (D’Arce choke) | UFC Fight Night 91 | July 13, 2016 |
| John Makdessi | Win | KO (spinning wheel kick) | UFC 206 | December 10, 2016 |
| Bobby Green | Draw | Split Decision | UFC 216 | October 7, 2017 |
| Charles Jourdain | Loss | Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Andrade April 23, 2022 | – |
| Daniel Zellhuber | Loss | Unanimous Decision | UFC on ESPN: Holloway vs Allen April 15, 2023 | – |
FAQs
1. Who is Lando Vannata?
Lando Vannata is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC. Known by his nickname “Groovy,” he fights in the lightweight and featherweight divisions and has been active professionally since 2012.
2. What is Lando Vannata’s fighting style?
Vannata is known for his unorthodox and creative fighting style, blending wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and striking. His flashy techniques, such as spinning kicks, have earned him multiple performance bonuses.
3. What are Lando Vannata’s notable achievements in MMA?
Vannata has earned several “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night” bonuses in the UFC. His spinning wheel kick knockout of John Makdessi at UFC 206 is particularly memorable.
4. What is Lando Vannata’s professional MMA record?
His professional record stands at 12 wins, 7 losses, and 2 draws. He has won 4 fights by knockout, 5 by submission, and 3 by decision.
5. What was Lando Vannata’s most famous fight?
His UFC debut against Tony Ferguson in 2016 is widely regarded as one of his most notable fights. Despite losing via submission, he pushed Ferguson to the brink and earned a “Fight of the Night” bonus.
6. Which teams has Lando Vannata trained with?
Vannata initially trained at Jackson Wink MMA Academy but later transitioned to Jackson’s MMA Acoma and other gyms like the BMF Ranch.
7. What challenges has Lando Vannata faced in his career?
Vannata has struggled with consistency in his performances, cardio issues, and injuries that have led to fight cancellations or losses. Despite these challenges, he remains a fan favorite for his exciting fighting style.
8. What are Lando Vannata’s physical attributes?
He stands 5’9″ tall with a reach of 71 inches and typically competes at a weight of 145-156 pounds, depending on his division.
9. Why is Lando Vannata nicknamed “Groovy”?
The nickname reflects his laid-back personality and creative approach to fighting, emphasizing artistry and improvisation inside the cage.
10. What are Lando Vannata’s future plans in MMA?
Although he has faced setbacks recently, Vannata continues to train and aims to climb the ranks while staying true to his unique fighting style.
