Rafael Natal is a well-known Brazilian mixed martial artist who gained popularity through his performances in the UFC.
He competed in the middleweight division and built a reputation for his strong grappling skills, strategic fights, and overall athleticism.
In this article, you will learn about Rafael Natal’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Rafael Natal’s Biography
| Full Name | Rafael Natal Diniz Franca |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Sapo |
| Date of Birth | December 25, 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Belo Horizonte, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | 2 |
| Martial Arts Background | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai |
Rafael “Sapo” Natal was born on December 25, 1982, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. He grew up in a modest family and was raised with a deep respect for martial arts.
Early Career
Rafael Natal’s early career is rooted in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Before becoming an MMA fighter, Natal trained extensively in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, earning a black belt under renowned instructor Vinicius Magalhaes.
His proficiency in jiu-jitsu quickly garnered attention in the local combat sports scene, allowing him to compete in tournaments and build a reputation as a tough grappler.
Professional Career
Rafael Natal joined the UFC in 2010, making his debut against Rich Attonito at UFC Fight Night 22.
Though he lost the fight via unanimous decision, Natal quickly bounced back and solidified himself as a serious contender in the middleweight division.
Known for his grappling expertise and ability to control fights on the ground, Natal fought some of the top names in the division, including Tim Kennedy, Robert Whittaker, and Uriah Hall.
Rafael Natal’s Net Worth Details
Rafael Natal’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025.
Fight Purses
| Fight | Event | Date | Reported Purse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rafael Natal vs. Michael Kuiper | UFC on FX 3 | May 15, 2012 | $12,000 (including win bonus) |
| Rafael Natal vs. Andrew Craig | UFC on Fox 8 | July 27, 2013 | $14,000 (including win bonus) |
| Rafael Natal vs. Tim Kennedy | UFC Fight Night 35 | January 11, 2014 | $16,000 (including win bonus) |
| Rafael Natal vs. Chris Camozzi | UFC Fight Night 43 | June 28, 2014 | $18,000 (including win bonus) |
| Rafael Natal vs. Thales Leites | UFC 183 | January 31, 2015 | $20,000 (including win bonus) |
| Rafael Natal vs. Ed Herman | UFC Fight Night 73 | August 8, 2015 | $22,000 (including win bonus) |
| Rafael Natal vs. Kevin Casey | UFC Fight Night 79 | November 10, 2015 | $24,000 (including win bonus) |
| Rafael Natal vs. Sam Alvey | UFC Fight Night 104 | February 4, 2017 | $24,000 (including win bonus) |
| Rafael Natal vs. Jack Marshman | UFC Fight Night 107 | March 18, 2017 | $26,000 (including win bonus) |
| Rafael Natal vs. Cezar Ferreira | UFC Fight Night 119 | November 11, 2017 | $28,000 (including win bonus) |
Endorsements
- Reebok: As part of the UFC’s exclusive outfitting partnership with Reebok, Natal wore Reebok gear during his UFC fights. This partnership provided fighters with branded apparel and equipment.
- Venum: After Reebok’s partnership ended, UFC fighters transitioned to Venum as the official outfitter. Rafael Natal was featured in Venum gear, including fight shorts, training gear, and apparel.
- Tattoo Companies: Natal’s tattoo sponsorships, including collaborations with tattoo studios and artists, were a part of his endorsement deals, reflecting his style and interests.
Career Records
| Fights | Wins | Losses | Draws | Method of Victory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Fights | 28 | 21 | 9 | Submissions, Decisions |
| UFC Fights | 16 | 9 | 7 | Submissions, Decisions |
| Wins by KO | 3 | – | – | KO/TKO |
| Wins by Submission | 8 | – | – | Submissions |
FAQs
What is Rafael Natal’s age?
Rafael Natal was born on December 25, 1982, making him 41 years old in 2024.
What is Rafael Natal’s net worth?
Rafael Natal’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million.
When did Rafael Natal retire from UFC?
Natal retired from professional fighting in 2017.
How many fights did Rafael Natal have in the UFC?
Rafael Natal fought 16 times in the UFC.
What is Rafael Natal’s background in martial arts?
Rafael Natal has a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Did Rafael Natal ever win a UFC championship?
No, Rafael Natal never won a UFC championship.
What were Rafael Natal’s key UFC victories?
His most notable UFC victories include wins over Chris Camozzi and Tom Watson.
Is Rafael Natal married?
Rafael Natal keeps his personal life private, and no information about his relationship status is publicly available.
What was Rafael Natal’s fighting style?
Natal’s fighting style was heavily based on Brazilian jiu-jitsu and grappling.
What is Rafael Natal doing now?
After retiring from MMA, Rafael Natal has transitioned into coaching and mentoring young fighters.
