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
1. What is Rafael Natal’s nationality and what division did she compete in?
Natal is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who competed in the UFC’s middleweight division, earning a reputation for technical groundwork and durable striking throughout her career.
2. How did Natal start her MMA career and what is her training background?
She began her combat sports journey in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, then transitioned to professional MMA after earning black belt status, fighting in Brazil before signing with larger international promotions.
3. When did Natal make her UFC debut and whom did she face?
She made her UFC debut in 2010 against Rich Attonito and quickly established herself as a tough, well-rounded competitor in the organization’s competitive middleweight landscape.
4. What were Natal’s most notable UFC victories or performances?
She secured key wins over fighters like Uriah Hall, Tom Watson, and Kevin Casey, and earned multiple UFC bonuses for performances that included dominant grappling and resilient decision victories.
5. What was Natal’s fighting style and main strengths in the octagon?
She possessed high-level jiu-jitsu and submission skills, strategic cage control, and striking with a focus on volume, using her versatility to outpoint or stop a range of opponents.
6. Did Natal face any major setbacks or challenges during her MMA career?
She battled through tough defeats, fought elite opponents, and endured close decisions, yet continuously bounced back to remain a mainstay on UFC undercards and main cards for several years.
7. Has Natal held any titles or earned championship contention?
While she never contended for a UFC title, Natal held regional championships in Brazil and consistently hovered near the rankings with streaks of UFC wins during her prime.
8. What do coaches, analysts, and teammates say about Natal’s reputation?
Coaches admire her discipline and technical skill, analysts highlight her consistency and resilience, while teammates often mention her commitment to helping others improve in the gym.
9. When did Natal retire from MMA and what has she pursued since?
She retired from professional fighting in 2017, shifting focus to coaching, training future fighters, and developing MMA talent, particularly in her home country of Brazil.
10. What legacy has Natal left in the sport of MMA?
Natal is recognized for representing Brazilian jiu-jitsu at a high level in MMA, contributing to the sport’s growth globally, and serving as a mentor to young fighters following her UFC run.
