Rodrigo Nascimento Ferreira, nicknamed “Ze Colmeia” (Portuguese for Yogi Bear), is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who has made a name for himself in the UFC‘s heavyweight division.
Known for his grappling prowess and submission skills, Rodrigo has become a notable figure in the MMA world. Here’s a detailed breakdown of his life, career, and achievements.
Rodrigo Nascimento’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rodrigo Nascimento Ferreira |
| Nickname | Ze Colmeia (Yogi Bear) |
| Date of Birth | November 26, 1992 |
| Age | 32 years |
| Place of Birth | Belo Horizonte, Brazil |
| Religion | Converted to Islam in 2023 |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 6’4″ (193 cm) |
| Weight | 264 lbs (119.75 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2012 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 – $1 million |
| Salary per Fight | Approx. $20,000 – $40,000 (base) |
| Spouse/Relationship | Unknown |
| Instagram Profile | @rodrigosebastiaonascimento |
Early Career
Rodrigo began his professional MMA journey in 2012, shortly after the death of his mentor, Everton Rabelo de Andrade.
Starting on the Brazilian regional circuit, he achieved an impressive undefeated record of 8-0, finishing all his opponents via submission or TKO.
This strong start earned him a spot on Dana White‘s Contender Series in 2019, where he secured a UFC contract with a first-round submission victory.
Professional Career
Rodrigo debuted in the UFC in May 2020 with a submission win over Don’Tale Mayes. Over the next few years, he showcased his grappling prowess with notable victories against fighters like Ilir Latifi and Tanner Boser.
Despite setbacks against top competitors such as Derrick Lewis and Alexander Romanov, Nascimento remains a formidable contender with an overall professional record of 11 wins, 3 losses, and 1 no-contest.
Rodrigo Nascimento’s Net Worth Details
Rodrigo Nascimento’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 to $1 million as of 2025. This wealth primarily stems from his fight purses, performance bonuses, and endorsement deals.
Fight Purses
Here’s a breakdown of Rodrigo Nascimento’s fight earnings from notable bouts:
| Event | Opponent | Result | Earnings ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Harris (2020) | Don’Tale Mayes | Win (Submission) | $20,000 + $20,000 bonus |
| UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Song (2022) | Tanner Boser | Win (Decision) | $40,000 |
| UFC on ESPN: Lewis vs. Nascimento (2024) | Derrick Lewis | Loss (TKO) | $30,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Albazi (2024) | Alexander Romanov | Loss (Decision) | $25,000 |
Career Records
Below is a summary of Rodrigo’s career record and notable fights:
| Result | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 11–3 | Alexander Romanov | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Albazi | Nov 2, 2024 |
| Loss | 11–2 | Derrick Lewis | TKO (Punches) | UFC on ESPN: Lewis vs. Nascimento | May 11, 2024 |
| Win | 11–1 | Don’Tale Mayes | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Lewis | Nov 4, 2023 |
| Win | 10–1 | Ilir Latifi | Decision (Split) | UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Hill | May 20, 2023 |
FAQs
What is Rodrigo Nascimento’s nickname?
His nickname is “Ze Colmeia,” meaning Yogi Bear in Portuguese.
When did Rodrigo start his MMA career?
He turned professional in March 2012.
What is his fighting style?
Rodrigo specializes in grappling and submissions.
What religion does Rodrigo follow?
He converted to Islam in early 2023.
How tall is Rodrigo Nascimento?
He stands at an impressive height of 6’4″ (193 cm).
What is his current net worth?
His estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million as of 2025.
Does Rodrigo have any championship titles?
While he hasn’t won a title yet in the UFC, he has received “Performance of the Night” bonuses for standout fights.
What team does he train with?
He trains at American Top Team.
Who are some notable opponents he has faced?
He has fought Derrick Lewis and Alexander Romanov among others.
What is his Instagram handle?
You can follow him at @rodrigosebastiaonascimento.
