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			{{short description\|Brazilian mixed martial artist}}
	{{pp-semi-vandalism}}
	{{~~Cleanup~~\|date=~~February~~ ~~2007~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=January 2019}}
			{{Infobox martial artist
	{{MMAstatsbox\|name=Gabriel Gonzaga
			\| name = Gabriel Gonzaga
	\|image=
	\|~~nick~~=Napão ("~~Big~~ ~~Nose~~" in Portuguese)		\| other_names = Napão ({{IPA\|pt\|naˈpɐ̃w\|IPA}}){{efn\|Gonzaga's nickname "Napão" means "big nose" in Portuguese.}}
			\| image = GabrielGonzaga2.png
	\|height={{height\|ft=6\|in=2}}
			\| image_size = 200px
	\|weight={{weight\|lbs=242}}
			\| alt =
	\|nationality= {{flagicon\|Brazil}} Brazilian
			\| caption =
	\|birthdate=], ]
			\| birth_name = Gabriel Gonzaga Santos Nogueira<ref name=masters19>{{cite web \|url=https://www.ibjjfdb.com/ChampionshipResults/1221/PublicResults \|title= World Master Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship 2019 \|work=Official IBJJF results \|access-date=October 2, 2019}}</ref>
	\|died=
			\| birth_date = {{birth date and age\|df=yes\|1979\|5\|18}}
	\|fightingfrom=]
	\|~~hometown~~=]		\| birth_place = ], Brazil
			\| residence = Lunenburg,Massachusetts
	\|fightstyle= ]
			\| height = 6 ft 2 in
	\|wins=9
			\| weight_lb = 264
	\|losses=1
			\| weight_class = ]
	\|draws=0
			\| reach = {{convert\|76\|in\|cm\|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-fight-night-phoenix/printFightCard\|title=Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Dos Santos vs. Miocic\|publisher=]\|access-date=15 December 2014}}</ref>
	\|nocontest=
			\| style = ]
	\|ko=4
			\| stance = Orthodox
	\|submissions=5
			\| fighting_out_of = ], United States
	\|}}
			\| team = Squared BJJ, <br> ] (formerly)
	'''Gabriel "Napao" Gonzaga''' (born ], ] in ]), is a ] competitor currently competing in the ]. He holds a black belt in ] under ], and now fights out of ] as a part of Team Link. Gonzaga's biggest accomplishment to date is a ] victory over ] on ], ], which earned him a UFC Heavyweight Title shot with ].
			\| rank = 5th degree black belt in ]<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2013/06/shane-del-rosario-forced-out-at-ufc-162-dave-herman-now-meets-gabriel-gonzaga\|title=Shane del Rosario forced out at UFC 162, Dave Herman now meets Gabriel Gonzaga\|publisher=MMAjunkie.com\|date=1 June 2013}}</ref> <small>under Wander Braga</small><ref name=BJJlineage>{{cite news\|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2011/10/brazilian-beat-jiu-jitsu-instructor-at-heart-gabriel-gonzaga-still-happy-to-fight-again\|title=Brazilian Beat: Jiu-jitsu instructor at heart, Gabriel Gonzaga still happy to fight again\|publisher=MMAjunkie.com\|date=8 October 2011}}</ref>
	==Martial Arts Training==
			\| years_active = 2003–2016, 2018–present (]) <br> 2017–present (])
			\| box_win = 1
			\| box_kowin =
			\| box_loss = 0
			\| box_koloss =
			\| box_draw =
			\| box_nc =
			\| mma_kowin = 9
			\| mma_subwin = 7
			\| mma_decwin = 1
			\| mma_koloss = 10
			\| mma_subloss =
			\| mma_decloss = 2
			\| mma_draw =
			\| mma_nc =
			\| url =
			\| sherdog = 7306
			\| boxrec = 812551
			\| footnotes =
			\| updated =
			\|medaltemplates =
			{{MedalCountry\|{{BRA}}}}
			{{MedalSport\|]}}
			{{MedalCompetition \| ]}}
			{{MedalSilver \| 2005 ] \|+99kg }}<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.adcombat.com/adcc-2005-results \|title= ADCC 2005 - Results \|work=Official ADCC results \|access-date= 20 March 2014}}</ref>
			{{MedalCompetition \|]}}
			{{MedalGold \| 2004 ] \| -88kg}}
			{{MedalSport \| ]}}
			{{MedalCompetition \| ]}}
			{{MedalGold \| 2006 ]\| +100 kg}}<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://ibjjf.org/results/world-jiu-jitsu-championship-2006-results/ \|title= World Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2006 – Results \|work=Official IBJJF results \|access-date= 20 March 2014}}</ref>
			{{MedalBronze \| 2002 ]\|Absolute}}<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://ibjjf.org/results/world-jiu-jitsu-championship-2002-results/ \|title= World Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2002 – Results \|work=Official IBJJF results \|access-date= 20 March 2014}}</ref>
			{{MedalCompetition\|]}}
			{{MedalGold\|2006 ]\|+100 kg}}
			{{MedalSilver\|2005 ]\|+100 kg}}
			{{MedalBronze\|2005 ]\|Absolute}}
			{{MedalSilver\|2003 ]\|+100 kg}}
			{{MedalSilver\|2003 ]\|Absolute}}
			{{MedalCompetition\|]}}
			{{MedalBronze \| 1999 ]\|-100.5 kg}}<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://ibjjf.org/results/brazilian-nationals-jiu-jitsu-championship-1999-results/ \|title= Brazilian Nationals Jiu-Jitsu Championship 1999 – Results \|work=Official IBJJF results \|access-date= 20 March 2014}}</ref>
			}}

			'''Gabriel Gonzaga Santos Nogueira'''<ref name=masters19 /> ({{IPA\|pt\|ɡabɾiˈew ɡõˈzaɡɐ}}; born 18 May 1979) is a Brazilian former professional ], ] and 5th degree ] (BJJ) ].
	Gabriel Gonzaga is a part of Team Link in ]. His coaches include Marco Alvan (]), Elcio Machado and Atila Cebola (]), and Clayton Roberson Jr. (]).

			Gonzaga is a ] champion in the Ultra Heavyweight black belt division and a ] medallist, two of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport.
	Gonzaga's ] record is currently 9-1-0. He made his MMA Debut on April 4th, 2003 in Santos, Brazil against ]. He would win via submission from strikes in the first round. He would go on to competing over the next two years winning three more bouts and losing one.

			In 2003 Gonzaga started MMA. In 2006 he started competing in the ] division of the ]. He is perhaps best known for his upset head-kick knockout of ] at ], which earned him a heavyweight title shot.
	He made his UFC debut at ] knocking out ] at 4:39 of the third round. Although the knockout was considered an excellent finish{{Fact\|date=April 2007}}, the fight was considered uneventful{{who}}. Gonzaga's poor performance may have been partly due to complications during his wife's pregnancy that resulted in her near death and the death of one of the twin girls she was carrying. This occurred a few weeks before the match was scheduled to take place, Gonzaga was unable to properly train for the fight, since he was caring for his wife.

			==Background==
	Gabriel would later return at ] and win against ] via TKO at the second round. At ] he would end ]'s undefeated winning streak in the first round from an ].
			Gonzaga was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and began training in ] when he was 14 years old. before later transitioning to ], under the tutelage of Wander Braga.<ref name=BJJlineage /> Gonzaga would go on to achieve many accomplishments in the sport before transitioning into a career in MMA.<ref name=masslive>{{cite web
			\|url=http://www.masslive.com/sports/republican/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1200615905252230.xml&coll=1
			\|title=Ultimate Time for Gonzaga
			\|last=Remillard
			\|first=Jason
			\|publisher=Mass Live.com
			\|date=18 January 2008
			\|access-date=19 January 2008
			}}{{Dead link\|date=May 2024 \|bot=InternetArchiveBot \|fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

			==Mixed martial arts career==
	On April 21st, Gonzaga knocked out Pride FC 2006 Open Weight Grand Prix Champion ] in the first round with a head kick. With the win Gabriel became the number one contender for the Heavyweight Title earning himself a bout versus UFC Heavyweight Champion ].
	==~~Personal~~ ~~Life~~==		===Early career===
			Gonzaga made his professional ] debut on 4 April 2003 in ] against Cicero Costa, winning via submission due to punches in the first round. He went on to compile a 4-1 professional record with his only loss coming via TKO to ].
	Gabriel is married. Together they were expecting twin girls, Leticia and Isabela, but Leticia passed away while Isabela survived. Currently, Gabriel and his wife are expecting a baby boy.

			===Ultimate Fighting Championship===
			He made his UFC debut at ], knocking out ] with a superman punch at 4:39 of the third round. However, weeks before the fight, his pregnant wife started having complications with her pregnancy and lost one of the twins she was carrying. Gonzaga's obligations to his wife during her high risk pregnancy left him unable to train properly.<ref name=puroresu>{{cite web
			\|url=http://www.puroresupower.com/pph/cutenews/show_news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1132991929&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&\|title=A statement from Gabriel "Napao" Gonzaga\|publisher=PuroresuPower.com
			\|date=26 November 2005\|access-date=19 January 2008}} {{Dead link\|date=October 2010\|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>

			Gonzaga would later return at ] with a win over ] via TKO in the second round. At ] he would defeat ] in the first round by armbar.
	== MMA record ==

	{{start box}}
			At ], Gonzaga knocked out ] with a head kick, Cro Cop's own signature move. With the win, Gonzaga was granted a title shot against ] ]. The knockout was the consensus Knockout of the Year for 2007.

			Gonzaga faced ] for the ] at ]. He lost the fight via ] due to punches from the mount at the 1:37 mark of the third round.

			Gonzaga returned to the Octagon to face the only man that had beaten him prior to the Couture fight, ], at ], losing once again via TKO in the second round.<ref>{{cite web
			\|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news.asp?n_id=9724\|title=Top Brazilian Heavyweights Battle in Newcastle\|publisher=Sherdog\|date=30 October 2007\|access-date=30 October 2007}}</ref>

			Gonzaga faced ] at ]. Early in the first round, McCully fell to the ground due to a powerful leg kick from Gonzaga. Gonzaga took to McCully's half guard, quickly passing to the mount position and winning by first round submission with an americana from the mount.<ref>{{cite web \|url= http://mmaweekly.com/ufc-86-review-main-event-wows-forrest-wins-2 \|title=UFC 86 Review: Main Event Wows, Forrest Wins! \|date=6 July 2008 \|publisher=MMAWeekly.com \|access-date=31 July 2011}}</ref>

			At ] Gonzaga knocked out UFC newcomer Josh Hendricks with a right hand at 1:01 of the first round.

			Gonzaga then faced undefeated heavyweight prospect ] at ]. In the first 30 seconds of the fight, Gonzaga caught Carwin with an uppercut and two left hooks, breaking his nose. Gonzaga took the fight to the floor, but Carwin quickly fought back to his feet. Against the fence, Carwin pushed Gonzaga away and threw an overhand right that knocked Gonzaga out. The referee called the match at 69 seconds of round one, handing Gonzaga his fourth career loss.

			]

			At ] Gonzaga defeated ] via TKO at 2:27 of the first round. The fight, however, was controversial, as Gonzaga landed an illegal low blow that hurt Tuchsherer very badly. While Tuchsherer was able to continue after taking a full five-minute rest, Gonzaga landed a powerful head kick and continued to dominate the rest of the fight, eventually finishing the fight via strikes.

			Gonzaga was set to fight ] at ]; however, it was reported that he had pulled out of the fight due to a staph infection.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Another-good-fight-goes-bye-bye-Gonzaga-out-of-?urn=mma,204974\|title=Another good fight goes bye-bye: Gonzaga out of UFC 108\|publisher=sports.yahoo.com\|date=25 November 2009}}</ref>

			The fight between Gonzaga and dos Santos eventually took place on 21 March 2010 at ], with Gonzaga losing via knockout in the first round.<ref name="sherdog.com">{{cite web\|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Gabriel-Gonzaga-7306\|title=Gabriel "Napao" Gonzaga\|publisher=sherdog.com}}</ref>

			Gonzaga was defeated by ] on 23 October 2010 at ] by unanimous decision. All three judges scored the fight 30–27 after Gonzaga was out-struck throughout all three rounds by Schaub.<ref>{{cite news\|url= http://mmajunkie.com/news/20020/gabriel-gonzaga-vs-brendan-schaub-meet-at-ufc-121.mma\|title= Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Brendan Schaub meet at UFC 121 in California\|publisher= mmajunkie.com\|access-date= 22 July 2010\|url-status=dead\|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100725002023/http://mmajunkie.com/news/20020/gabriel-gonzaga-vs-brendan-schaub-meet-at-ufc-121.mma\|archive-date= 25 July 2010}}</ref> This was also the first bout in Gonzaga's professional career to go the distance.

			Following the loss to Schaub, Gonzaga was released from the promotion.<ref>{{cite news\|url= http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/inside_the_octagon/?p=378&srvc=home&position=recent\|title= Gonzaga released from the UFC \|publisher=BostonHerald.com \|access-date=28 October 2010}}</ref>

			===Post UFC===
			After being released by the UFC, Gonzaga stated that he would only compete in ] but expressed interest in returning to ]. Gonzaga returned to action against Reality Fighting Heavyweight Champion ].<ref name="mma.com">{{cite web\|url=http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/news/307093/Napao-MMA-return-Reality-Fighting-Sept-24/\|title=Mixed Martial Arts: MMA News, Fighters, Events, Forum\|website=The Underground}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://nagafighter.com/nagablue/index.php?module=eventinformationpage/219\|title=:: Welcome to the North American Grappling Association (NAGA) ::\|website=nagafighter.com}}</ref> Gonzaga fought Porter on 8 October where he submitted him with an arm-triangle choke in the third round, winning the Reality Fighting Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.shockblastmedia.com/2011/10/reality-fighting-porter-vs-gonzaga-live-results-and-play-by-play/\|title=shockblastmedia.com\|website=Shockblastmedia.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mmagoss.com/2011/10/09/gabriel-gonzaga-submits-parker-porter-takes-reality-fighting-heavyweight-championship/\|title=Nothing found for 2011 10 09 Gabriel Gonzaga Submits Parker Porter Takes Reality Fighting Heavyweight Championship\|website=Mmagoss.com\|access-date=30 July 2017\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425060623/http://www.mmagoss.com/2011/10/09/gabriel-gonzaga-submits-parker-porter-takes-reality-fighting-heavyweight-championship/\|archive-date=25 April 2012}}</ref>

			===Return to the UFC===
			It was announced that Gonzaga signed a new, four-fight contract with the ] on 16 December 2011. In his return bout, he faced Ednaldo Oliveira at ], replacing an injured ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mmaweekly.com/gabriel-gonzaga-back-faces-ednaldo-oliveira-at-ufc-142\|title=Gabriel Gonzaga Back, Faces Ednaldo Oliveira at UFC 142\|work=MMAweekly.com\|date=16 December 2011 \|access-date=16 December 2011}}</ref> Gonzaga won the fight via submission in the first round.

			Gabriel Gonzaga was expected to face ] at ] on 26 May 2012.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2012/2/22/2817948/ufc-146-gabriel-gonzaga-set-to-welcome-strikeforces-shane-del-rosario\|title=Gabriel Gonzaga set to welcome Strikeforce's Shane Del Rosario to the Octagon \|work=mmamania.com\|date=22 February 2012}}</ref> Gabriel was pulled from the bout against Shane Del Rosario to replace ] against ], after Silva was switched to meet ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/28398/gabriel-gonzaga-fills-open-slot-against-roy-nelson-at-ufc-146.mma\|title=Gabriel Gabriel Gonzaga fills an open slot against Roy Nelson at UFC 146\|work=mmajunkie.com\|date=23 April 2012\|access-date=23 April 2012\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426211844/http://mmajunkie.com/news/28398/gabriel-gonzaga-fills-open-slot-against-roy-nelson-at-ufc-146.mma\|archive-date=26 April 2012}}</ref> Gonzaga later was forced out of the bout against Roy Nelson because of an injury, being replaced by ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2012/5/2/2993256/ufc-146-fight-card-roy-nelson-vs-dave-herman-gabriel-gonzaga-injured\|title=Roy Nelson vs Dave Herman booked with Gabriel Gonzaga injured \|work=mmamania.com\|date=2 May 2012\|access-date=2 May 2012}}</ref>

			Gonzaga was expected to face promotional newcomer and fellow ] Geronimo dos Santos on 13 October 2012 at ]<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.tatame.com/2012/08/01/Gonzaga-vs-Mondragon-set-for-UFC-153\|title=Gonzaga vs. 'Mondragon' set for UFC 153\|publisher=tatame.com\|date=1 August 2012\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805051139/http://www.tatame.com/2012/08/01/Gonzaga-vs-Mondragon-set-for-UFC-153\|archive-date=5 August 2012}}</ref> but dos Santos dropped off the card for an undisclosed reason. As no replacement was scheduled, Gonzaga was also removed from the card.

			Gonzaga faced ] on 19 January 2013 at ]<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/31410/heavyweights-ben-rothwell-gabriel-gonzaga-targeted-for-jan-19-ufc-card-in-brazil.mma\|title=Heavyweights Ben Rothwell, Gabriel Gonzaga targeted for Jan. 19 UFC card in Brazil\|publisher=MMAjunkie.com\|date=2 November 2012\|access-date=2 November 2012\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129062307/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2012/11/heavyweights-ben-rothwell-gabriel-gonzaga-targeted-for-jan-19-ufc-card-in-brazil\|archive-date=29 January 2013}}</ref> He won the fight via submission in the second round.

			Gonzaga lost via first-round knockout to ] on 13 April 2013 at ].<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/02/gabriel-gonzaga-vs-travis-browne-booked-for-the-ultimate-fighter-17-finale\|title=Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Travis Browne booked for The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale\|publisher=MMAjunkie.com\|date=11 February 2013\|access-date=11 February 2013}}</ref>

			Gonzaga faced ] on 6 July 2013 at ], replacing ] who had to withdraw from the bout due to an injury.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/05/shane-del-rosario-forced-out-at-ufc-162-dave-herman-now-meets-gabriel-gonzaga \|title=Shane del Rosario forced out at UFC 162, Dave Herman now meets Gabriel Gonzaga \|publisher=mmajunkie.com \|date=31 May 2013 \|access-date=1 June 2013 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608092614/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/05/shane-del-rosario-forced-out-at-ufc-162-dave-herman-now-meets-gabriel-gonzaga \|archive-date=8 June 2013 }}</ref> Gonzaga won via KO 17 seconds into the first round.

			Gonzaga next faced ] on 19 October 2013 at ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/24/4554228/heavyweight-bout-shawn-jordan-vs-gabriel-gonzaga-slated-for-ufc-166\|title=Heavyweight bout Shawn Jordan vs Gabriel Gonzaga slated for UFC 166 in Houston\|publisher=mmamania.com\|author=Brian Hemminger\|date=24 July 2013\|access-date=24 July 2013}}</ref> He won the fight via knockout at 1:13 of round one. This was Gonzaga's second consecutive first-round knockout.

			Gonzaga faced ] on 25 January 2014 at ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2013/11/20/gabriel-gonzaga-vs-stipe-miocic-added-to-ufc-on-fox-10-in-chicago/\|title=Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Stipe Miocic added to UFC on FOX 10 in Chicago\|publisher=mmajunkie.com\|date=20 November 2013\|access-date=20 November 2013}}</ref> He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Post-fight, Gonzaga stated online that he broke his hand in the first round.

			Gonzaga faced ] on 13 December 2014 at ].<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/heavyweights-matt-mitrione-gabriel-gonzaga-to-meet-on-fox-card-in-phoenix-091914\|title=Heavyweights Matt Mitrione, Gabriel Gonzaga to meet on FOX card in Phoenix\|work=foxsports.com\|author=Marc Raimondi\|date=19 September 2014\|access-date=19 September 2014}}</ref> He lost the bout in the first round via TKO.

			Gonzaga faced returning veteran ] in a rematch on 11 April 2015 at ].<ref name="Krakow">{{cite web\|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/01/ufc-fight-night-64-heads-to-poland-with-cro-cop-gonzaga-ii-blachowicz-manuwa\|title=UFC Fight Night 64 heads to Poland with Cro Cop-Gonzaga II, Blachowicz-Manuwa\|publisher=mmajunkie.com\|date=23 January 2015\|access-date=23 January 2015}}</ref> After dominantly winning the first two rounds and being up 20–17 on the scorecards, Gonzaga was finished by TKO in the third round after a surprise flurry of elbows and punches managed to hurt him and turn the fight around in an instant. Gonzaga later stated that he wasn't ready for all 5 rounds, and that he was surprised by Cro Cop's strength and improved elbows.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/04/ufc-fight-night-64-results-mirko-filipovic-shocks-with-tko-win-over-gabriel-gonzaga\|title=UFC Fight Night 64 results: Mirko Filipovic shocks with TKO win over Gabriel Gonzaga\|date=11 April 2015 \|publisher=mmajunkie.com\|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/4/11/8390677/ufc-krakow-results-mirko-cro-cop-gets-revenge-on-gabriel-gonzaga-with\|title=UFC Krakow results: Mirko Cro Cop gets revenge on Gabriel Gonzaga with third-round TKO\|publisher=mmafighting.com\|date=11 April 2015\|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref> The bout earned both men ''Fight of the Night'' bonus honors.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/04/ufc-fight-night-64-bonuses-cro-cop-and-gonzaga-among-four-scoring-50000\|title=UFC Fight Night 64 bonuses: Cro Cop and Gonzaga among four scoring $50,000\|publisher=mmajunkie.com\|date=11 April 2015\|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref>

			Gonzaga faced Konstantin Erokhin on 11 December 2015 at ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/09/gabriel-gonzaga-vs-konstantin-erokhin-heavyweight-tilt-set-for-tuf-22-finale-in-vegas\|title=Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Konstantin Erokhin heavyweight tilt set for TUF 22 Finale in Vegas\|publisher=mmajunkie.com\|date=11 September 2015\|access-date=11 September 2015}}</ref> He won the fight by unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 30–28).<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/12/tuf-22-finale-results-gabriel-gonzaga-takes-lackluster-decision-over-konstantin-erokhin\|title=TUF 22 Finale results: Gabriel Gonzaga takes lackluster decision over Konstantin Erokhin\|publisher=mmajunkie.com \|author=Brent Brookhouse\|date=11 December 2015\|access-date=11 December 2015}}</ref>

			Gonzaga was expected to face ] on 10 April 2016 at ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://cagepages.com/2016/01/22/ufc-fight-night-85-gonzaga-fight-magomedov-croatia/\|title=UFC Fight Night 85: Gonzaga to fight Magomedov in Croatia\|publisher=cagepages.com\|author=Danny Doherty\|date=22 January 2016\|access-date=22 January 2016}}</ref> However, Magomedov was forced out of the bout in early March due to injury and replaced by ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/03/with-ruslan-magomedov-out-derrick-lewis-vs-gabriel-gonzaga-in-the-works-for-ufc-fight-night-86\|title=Derrick Lewis vs. Gabriel Gonzaga in works for UFC Fight Night 86\|publisher=mmajunkie.com\|author=John Morgan\|access-date=9 March 2016\|date=9 March 2016}}</ref> Gonzaga lost the fight via KO in the first round.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/04/ufc-fight-night-86-results-derrick-lewis-crushes-gabriel-gonzaga-for-first-round-ko\|title=UFC Fight Night 86 results: Derrick Lewis crushes Gabriel Gonzaga for first-round KO\|publisher=mmajunkie.com\|date=10 April 2016\|access-date=10 April 2016\|author=Ben Fowlkes}}</ref>

			On 30 September 2016 it was announced that Gonzaga would be retiring from the sport unless offered a 6-figure contract from the UFC.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mmafrenzy.com/137565/ufc-vet-gabriel-gonzaga-says-hes-retired-unless-six-figure-contracts-tabled/\|title=UFC Vet Gabriel Gonzaga Says He's Retired Unless Six Figure Contract's Tabled\|author=Kelsey Mowatt\|date=30 September 2016\|publisher=mmafrenzy.com}}</ref>

			==Professional boxing career==
			On 14 September 2017, it was announced that Gonzaga would be making his pro boxing debut for the Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE) boxing promotion on 26 October against Alejandro Esquilin Santiago.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Former-UFC-Title-Challenger-Gabriel-Gonzaga-to-Make-Pro-Boxing-Debut-on-Oct-26-126921\|title=Former UFC Title Challenger Gabriel Gonzaga to Make Pro Boxing Debut on Oct 26}}</ref> Gonzaga won the four-round bout via majority decision.<ref name=junkie19>{{cite web\|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/08/antonio-bigfoot-silva-vs-gabriel-gonzaga-bkfc-8-main-event-booked\|title=Former UFC title challengers Antonio Silva, Gabriel Gonzaga to headline BKFC 8\|author=Nolan King\|publisher=mmajunkie.com\|date=August 28, 2019}}</ref>

			==Bare-knuckle boxing==
			On August 28, 2019, it was announced that Gonzaga would make his promotional debut headlining BKFC 8 against fellow UFC veteran ] on October 19, 2019.<ref name=junkie19 /> He won the fight via knockout in the second round.

			==Personal life==
			Gonzaga and his fiancé live in ].{{Citation needed\|date=February 2024}}

			==Championships and accomplishments==

			===Mixed martial arts===
			*''']'''
			**] (One time)
			**] (Two times)
			** Tied (], ] & ]) for third most finishes in UFC history (11)<ref name="ufchw">{{cite web\|url=http://statleaders.ufc.com/?fighter_status=0&weight_class=HW\|title=UFC Stats - Heavyweight Division\|date=June 5, 2023\|author=UFC.com\|publisher=]}}</ref>
			**'''UFC.com Awards'''
			***2007: Knockout of the Year<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-2012-knockouts-year\|title=Ten Best - 2012 (and before) Knockouts of the Year\|date=January 6, 2013\|author=Thomas Gerbasi\|work=]}}</ref> & Ranked #3 Upset of the Year {{small\|vs. ] 1}}<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=9374\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125205304/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=9374\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=2008-01-25\|title=Ten Best – The Biggest Upsets of 2007\|date=December 30, 2007\|author=Thomas Gerbasi\|work=]}}</ref>
			*'''FIGHT! Magazine'''
			**2007 Knockout of the Year <small> vs. ] on 21 April</small><ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.fightmagazine.com/mma-magazine/mma-article.asp?aid=231&issid=9 \|title=2007 FIGHT! Awards \| FIGHT! Magazine \|access-date=22 August 2010 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004162754/http://www.fightmagazine.com/mma-magazine/mma-article.asp?aid=231&issid=9 \|archive-date=4 October 2011 }}</ref>
			*'''Fight Matrix'''
			**Most Lopsided Upset of the Year (2007)<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.fightmatrix.com/fightmatrix-awards/\|title=Fight Matrix - MMA Awards\|website=Fightmatrix.com}}</ref>
			*'''Inside Fights'''
			**2007 Knockout of the Year <small> vs. ] on 21 April</small> <ref>{{cite web\|url=http://insidepulse.com/2008/01/06/72906/\|title=2007 Inside Fights Awards - Inside Pulse\|website=Insidepulse.com\|date=7 January 2008 \|access-date=30 July 2017}}</ref>
			*'''Reality Fighting'''
			**Reality Fighting Heavyweight Championship (One time)

			===Brazilian jiu-jitsu===
			*'''Confederação Brasileira de Jiu Jitsu Olímpico'''
			**{{gold1}} 2006 CBJJO World Cup Super Heavyweight Champion (Black Belt)
			**{{silver2}} 2005 CBJJO World Cup Super Heavyweight Runner-Up (Black Belt)
			**{{bronze3}} 2005 CBJJO World Cup Absolute 3rd Place (Black Belt)
			**{{silver2}} 2003 CBJJO World Cup Super Heavyweight Runner-Up (Black Belt)
			**{{silver2}} 2003 CBJJO World Cup Absolute Runner-Up (Black Belt)

			*'''Confederação Brasileira de Jiu Jitsu'''
			**{{gold1}} 2006 CBJJ Mundials Super Heavyweight Champion (Black Belt)
			**{{bronze3}} 2005 CBJJ Brazilian Nationals 3rd Place (Black Belt)
			**{{bronze3}} 1999 CBJJ Brazilian Nationals 3rd Place
			**{{gold1}} 1996/1997 CBJJ Brazilian Nationals Champion (Purple Belt)

			*''']'''
			**{{gold1}} 2019 World Masters IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship Super Heavyweight Champion (Black Belt)
			**{{bronze3}} 2000 World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship Super Heavyweight 3rd Place (Black Belt)
			**{{bronze3}} 1999 World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship Super Heavyweight 3rd Place (Brown Belt)
			<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/gabriel-gonzaga\|title=Gabriel Gonzaga\|website=BJJ Heroes\|access-date=2022-03-25}}</ref>

			===Submission grappling===
			*''']'''
			**2005 ADCC +99 kg Runner-Up
			**Opponents:
			***Won: Mustapha al-Turk (pts), Ricco Rodriguez (pts), Marcio Cruz (pts), Eduardo Telles (pts)
			***Lost: Jeff Monson (pts), Xande Ribeiro (sub)

			== Mixed martial arts record ==
			{{MMArecordbox
			\| draws=
			\| nc=
			\| ko-wins= 9
			\| ko-losses= 10
			\| sub-wins= 7
			\| sub-losses=
			\| dec-wins= 1
			\| dec-losses= 2
			\| dq-wins=
			\| dq-losses=
			\| other-wins=
			\| other-losses=
			}}
			{{MMA record start}}
	\|-		\|-
			\|{{no2}}Loss
	\| align="center" colspan=8\|'''9 wins''' (4 (T)KO's, 5 submission,), '''1 loss''', '''0 draws'''
			\|align=center\|17–12
			\|]
			\|TKO (punches and knees)
			\|RCC: Russian Cagefighting Championship 2
			\|{{dts\|2018\|May\|5\|format=dmy}}
			\|align=center\|2
			\|align=center\|3:43
			\|], Russia
			\|
			\|-
			\|{{no2}}Loss
			\|align=center\|17–11
			\|]
			\|KO (punches)
			\|]
			\|{{dts\|2016\|April\|10\|format=dmy}}
			\|align=center\|1
			\|align=center\|4:48
			\|], Croatia
			\|
			\|-
			\|{{yes2}}Win
			\|align=center\|17–10
			\|Konstantin Erokhin
			\|Decision (unanimous)
			\|]
			\|{{dts\|2015\|December\|11\|format=dmy}}
			\|align=center\|3
			\|align=center\|5:00
			\|], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\|{{no2}}Loss
			\|align=center\|16–10
			\|]
			\|TKO (elbows and punches)
			\|]
			\|{{dts\|2015\|April\|11\|format=dmy}}
			\|align=center\|3
			\|align=center\|3:30
			\|], Poland
			\|{{small\|Fight of the Night.}}
			\|-
			\|{{no2}}Loss
			\|align=center\|16–9
			\|]
			\|TKO (punches)
			\|]
			\|{{dts\|2014\|December\|13\|format=dmy}}
			\|align=center\|1
			\|align=center\|1:59
			\|], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\|{{no2}}Loss
			\|align=center\|16–8
			\|]
			\|Decision (unanimous)
			\|]
			\|{{dts\|2014\|January\|25\|format=dmy}}
			\|align=center\|3
			\|align=center\|5:00
			\|], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
			\| align=center\| 16–7
			\| ]
			\| KO (punches)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2013\|October\|19\|format=dmy}}
			\| align=center\| 1
			\| align=center\| 1:33
			\| ], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
			\| align=center\| 15–7
			\| ]
			\| KO (punches)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2013\|July\|6\|format=dmy}}
			\| align=center\| 1
			\| align=center\| 0:17
			\| ], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{no2}}Loss
			\| align=center\| 14–7
			\| ]
			\| KO (elbows)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2013\|April\|13\|format=dmy}}
			\| align=center\| 1
			\| align=center\| 1:11
			\| ], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
			\| align=center\| 14–6
			\| ]
			\| Submission (guillotine choke)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2013\|January\|19\|format=dmy}}
			\| align=center\| 2
			\| align=center\| 1:01
			\| ], Brazil
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
			\| align=center\| 13–6
			\| Ednaldo Oliveira
			\| Submission (rear-naked choke)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2012\|January\|14\|format=dmy}}
			\| align=center\| 1
			\| align=center\| 3:22
			\| ], Brazil
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
			\| align=center\| 12–6
			\| ]
			\| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
			\| Reality Fighting: Gonzaga vs. Porter
			\| {{dts\|2011\|October\|8\|format=dmy}}
			\| align=center\| 3
			\| align=center\| 1:50
			\| ], United States
			\| {{small\|Won the Reality Fighting Heavyweight Championship.}}
			\|-
			\| {{no2}}Loss
			\| align=center\| 11–6
			\| ]
			\| Decision (unanimous)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2010\|October\|23\|format=dmy}}
			\| align=center\| 3
			\| align=center\| 5:00
			\| ], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{no2}}Loss
			\| align=center\| 11–5
			\| ]
			\| TKO (punches)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2010\|March\|21\|format=dmy}}
			\| align=center\| 1
			\| align=center\| 3:53
			\| ], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
			\| align=center\| 11–4
			\| ]
			\| TKO (punches)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2009\|August\|29\|format=dmy}}
			\| align=center\| 1
			\| align=center\| 2:27
			\| ], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{no2}}Loss
			\| align=center\| 10–4
			\| ]
			\| TKO (punches)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2009\|March\|07\|format=dmy}}
			\| align=center\| 1
			\| align=center\| 1:09
			\| ], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
			\| align=center\| 10–3
			\| Josh Hendricks
			\| KO (punches)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2008\|November\|15\|format=dmy}}
			\| align=center\| 1
			\| align=center\| 1:01
			\| ], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
			\| align=center\| 9–3
			\| ]
			\| Submission (kimura)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2008\|July\|05\|format=dmy}}
			\| align=center\| 1
			\| align=center\| 1:57
			\| ], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{no2}}Loss
			\| align=center\| 8–3
			\| ]
			\| TKO (punches)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2008\|January\|19\|format=dmy}}
			\| align=center\| 2
			\| align=center\| 4:34
			\| ], England
			\|
	\|-		\|-
			\| {{no2}}Loss
	\|align="center" style = "background: #f0f0f0"\| '''Date'''
	\|align="center~~" style = "background: #f0f0f0"~~\| ~~'''Result'''~~		\| align=center\| 8–2
			\| ]
	\|align="center" style = "background: #f0f0f0"\| '''Opponent'''
			\| TKO (punches)
	\|align="center" style = "background: #f0f0f0"\| '''Event'''
			\| ]
	\|align="center" style = "background: #f0f0f0"\| '''Method'''
			\| {{dts\|2007\|August\|25\|format=dmy}}
	\|align="center" style = "background: #f0f0f0"\| '''Round, Time'''
	\|align="center~~" style = "background: #f0f0f0"~~\| ~~'''Notes'''~~		\| align=center\| 3
			\| align=center\| 1:37
			\| ], United States
			\| {{small\|For the ]. Fight of the Night.}}
	\|-		\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
	\| 04/21/2007
			\| align=center\| 8–1
	\| Win
	\| ]		\| ]
			\| KO (head kick)
	\| ]
			\| ]
	\| KO (Head Kick)
			\| {{dts\|2007\|April\|21\|format=dmy}}
	\| 1, 4:51
			\| align=center\| 1
	\|Gained #1 contendership for Randy Couture's heavyweight title.
			\| align=center\| 4:51
			\| ], England
			\| {{small\|] title eliminator. Knockout of the Night. Knockout of the Year.}}
	\|-		\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
	\| 12/30/2006
			\| align=center\| 7–1
	\| Win
	\| ]		\| ]
			\| Submission (armbar)
	\| ]
			\| ]
	\| Submission (Armbar)
			\| {{dts\|2006\|December\|30\|format=dmy}}
	\| 1, 3:22
			\| align=center\| 1
			\| align=center\| 3:22
			\| ], United States
	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
	\| 05/27/2006
			\| align=center\| 6–1
	\| Win
	\| ]		\| ]
			\| TKO (punches)
	\| ]
			\| ]
	\| TKO (Strikes)
			\| {{dts\|2006\|May\|27\|format=dmy}}
	\| 2 ,0:24
			\| align=center\| 2
	\|
			\| align=center\| 0:24
			\| ], United States
			\|
	\|-		\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
	\| 11/19/2005
			\| align=center\| 5–1
	\| Win
	\| ]		\| ]
			\| KO (superman punch)
	\| ]
			\| ]
	\| KO (Punch)
			\| {{dts\|2005\|November\|19\|format=dmy}}
	\| 3, 4:39
			\| align=center\| 3
	\|
			\| align=center\| 4:39
			\| ], United States
			\|
	\|-		\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
	\| 10/23/2004
			\| align=center\| 4–1
	\| Win
	\| ]		\| Walter Farias
			\| Submission (neck crank)
	\| Shooto Brazil-Never Shake
			\| Shooto Brazil: Never Shake
	\| Submission
			\| {{dts\|2004\|October\|23\|format=dmy}}
	\| 2
			\| align=center\| 2
	\|
			\| align=center\| N/A
			\| ], Brazil
			\|
	\|-		\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
	\| 05/15/2004
			\| align=center\| 3–1
	\| Win
	\| Charlie Brown		\| Charlie Brown
			\| TKO (exhaustion)
	\| JF 2-Jungle Fight 2
			\| ]
	\| Submission (Exhaustion)
			\| {{dts\|2004\|May\|15\|format=dmy}}
	\| 3
			\| align=center\| 3
	\|
			\| align=center\| N/A
			\| ], Brazil
			\|
	\|-		\|-
			\| {{no2}}Loss
	\| 09/13/2003
			\| align=center\| 2–1
	\| Loss
	\| ]		\| ]
			\| TKO (punches)
	\| JF 1-Jungle Fight 1
			\| ]
	\| TKO (Punches)
			\| {{dts\|2003\|September\|13\|format=dmy}}
	\| 3 ,2:11
			\| align=center\| 3
	\|
			\| align=center\| 2:11
			\| ], Brazil
			\|
	\|-		\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
	\| 08/01/2003
			\| align=center\| 2–0
	\| Win
	\| ]		\| ]
			\| Submission (triangle choke)
	\| Meca 9-Meca World Vale Tudo 9
			\| Meca 9: Meca World Vale Tudo 9
	\| Submission (Triangle Choke)
			\| {{dts\|2003\|August\|01\|format=dmy}}
	\| 1, 3:54
			\| align=center\| 1
			\| align=center\| 3:54
			\| ], Brazil
	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
	\| 04/02/2003
			\| align=center\| 1–0
	\| Win
	\| ]		\| Cicero Costa
			\| TKO (submission to punches)
	\| BG 2-Brazilian Gladiators 2
			\| Brazilian Gladiators 2
	\| Submission (Strikes)
			\| {{dts\|2003\|April\|02\|format=dmy}}
	\| 1
			\| align=center\| 1
			\| align=center\| N/A
			\| ], Brazil
			\|
			{{end}}

			==Professional boxing record==
			{{BoxingRecordSummary
			\|draws=
			\|nc=
			\|ko-wins=
			\|ko-losses=
			\|dec-wins=1
			\|dec-losses=
			\|dq-wins=
			\|dq-losses=
			}}
			{\|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:95%"
	\|-		\|-
			!{{abbr\|No.\|Number}}
	\| 01/01/2003
			!Result
	\| Win
			!Record
	\| ]
			!Opponent
	\| K1- International Arena
			!Type
	\| TKO-Punches
			!Round, time
	\| 1, 2:19
			!Date
	{{end box}}
			!Location
			!Notes
			\|-
			\|1
			\|{{yes2}}Win
			\|1–0
			\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|Puerto Rico}} Alejandro Esquilin Santiago
			\|{{abbr\|MD\|Majority decision}}
			\|4
			\|28 October 2017
			\|style="text-align:left;"\|{{flagicon\|USA}} {{small\|], ], US}}
			\|style="text-align:left;"\|
			\|}

			==Bare knuckle record==
	==External links==
			{{MMArecordbox
	*
			\|draws=
	*
			\|nc=
	*
			\|ko-wins=1
	*
			\|ko-losses=
			\|dec-wins=
			\|dec-losses=
			\|dq-wins=
			\|dq-losses=
			}}
			{{MMA record start}}
			\|-
			\|{{yes2}}Win
			\|align=center\|1–0
			\|]
			\|KO (punches)
			\|Bare Knuckle FC 8
			\|{{dts\|2019\|October\|19}}
			\|align=center\|2
			\|align=center\|1:50
			\|], United States
			\|
			\|-
			{{end}}

			==See also==
	{{DEFAULTSORT:Gonzaga, Gabriel}}
			* ]
			* ]
			* ]

			== Notes ==
	]
			{{Notelist}}
	]

			==References==
			{{Reflist\|30em}}

			==External links==
			* {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327231421/http://gabrielgonzagabjj.com/ \|date=27 March 2010 }}
			*{{Sherdog}}
			*
			*

			{{Authority control}}

			{{DEFAULTSORT:Gonzaga, Gabriel}}
	]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]

Latest revision as of 01:06, 6 January 2025

Brazilian mixed martial artist

Gabriel Gonzaga

Born	Gabriel Gonzaga Santos Nogueira (1979-05-18) 18 May 1979 (age 45) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Other names	Napão (IPA: [naˈpɐ̃w])
Residence	Lunenburg,Massachusetts
Height	6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight	264 lb (120 kg; 18 st 12 lb)
Division	Heavyweight
Reach	76 in (190 cm)
Style	Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Stance	Orthodox
Fighting out of	Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Team	Squared BJJ, Chute Boxe Academy (formerly)
Rank	5th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Wander Braga
Years active	2003–2016, 2018–present (MMA) 2017–present (Boxing)

Professional boxing record
Total	1
Wins	1
Losses	0


Mixed martial arts record
Total	29
Wins	17
By knockout	9
By submission	7
By decision	1
Losses	12
By knockout	10
By decision	2

Other information
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Gabriel Gonzaga Santos Nogueira (Portuguese pronunciation: [ɡabɾiˈew ɡõˈzaɡɐ]; born 18 May 1979) is a Brazilian former professional mixed martial artist, submission grappler and 5th degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) black belt.

Gonzaga is a World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu champion in the Ultra Heavyweight black belt division and a ADCC Submission Fighting World medallist, two of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport.

In 2003 Gonzaga started MMA. In 2006 he started competing in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is perhaps best known for his upset head-kick knockout of Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 70, which earned him a heavyweight title shot.

Background

Gonzaga was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and began training in judo when he was 14 years old. before later transitioning to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, under the tutelage of Wander Braga. Gonzaga would go on to achieve many accomplishments in the sport before transitioning into a career in MMA.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Gonzaga made his professional MMA debut on 4 April 2003 in Santos, Brazil against Cicero Costa, winning via submission due to punches in the first round. He went on to compile a 4-1 professional record with his only loss coming via TKO to Fabrício Werdum.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

He made his UFC debut at UFC 56, knocking out Kevin Jordan with a superman punch at 4:39 of the third round. However, weeks before the fight, his pregnant wife started having complications with her pregnancy and lost one of the twins she was carrying. Gonzaga's obligations to his wife during her high risk pregnancy left him unable to train properly.

Gonzaga would later return at UFC 60 with a win over Fabiano Scherner via TKO in the second round. At UFC 66 he would defeat Carmelo Marrero in the first round by armbar.

At UFC 70, Gonzaga knocked out Mirko Cro Cop with a head kick, Cro Cop's own signature move. With the win, Gonzaga was granted a title shot against UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture. The knockout was the consensus Knockout of the Year for 2007.

Gonzaga faced Randy Couture for the UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 74. He lost the fight via TKO due to punches from the mount at the 1:37 mark of the third round.

Gonzaga returned to the Octagon to face the only man that had beaten him prior to the Couture fight, Fabrício Werdum, at UFC 80, losing once again via TKO in the second round.

Gonzaga faced Justin McCully at UFC 86. Early in the first round, McCully fell to the ground due to a powerful leg kick from Gonzaga. Gonzaga took to McCully's half guard, quickly passing to the mount position and winning by first round submission with an americana from the mount.

At UFC 91 Gonzaga knocked out UFC newcomer Josh Hendricks with a right hand at 1:01 of the first round.

Gonzaga then faced undefeated heavyweight prospect Shane Carwin at UFC 96. In the first 30 seconds of the fight, Gonzaga caught Carwin with an uppercut and two left hooks, breaking his nose. Gonzaga took the fight to the floor, but Carwin quickly fought back to his feet. Against the fence, Carwin pushed Gonzaga away and threw an overhand right that knocked Gonzaga out. The referee called the match at 69 seconds of round one, handing Gonzaga his fourth career loss.

At UFC 102 Gonzaga defeated Chris Tuchscherer via TKO at 2:27 of the first round. The fight, however, was controversial, as Gonzaga landed an illegal low blow that hurt Tuchsherer very badly. While Tuchsherer was able to continue after taking a full five-minute rest, Gonzaga landed a powerful head kick and continued to dominate the rest of the fight, eventually finishing the fight via strikes.

Gonzaga was set to fight Junior dos Santos at UFC 108; however, it was reported that he had pulled out of the fight due to a staph infection.

The fight between Gonzaga and dos Santos eventually took place on 21 March 2010 at UFC LIVE: Vera vs. Jones, with Gonzaga losing via knockout in the first round.

Gonzaga was defeated by Brendan Schaub on 23 October 2010 at UFC 121 by unanimous decision. All three judges scored the fight 30–27 after Gonzaga was out-struck throughout all three rounds by Schaub. This was also the first bout in Gonzaga's professional career to go the distance.

Following the loss to Schaub, Gonzaga was released from the promotion.

Post UFC

After being released by the UFC, Gonzaga stated that he would only compete in Brazilian jiu-jitsu but expressed interest in returning to MMA. Gonzaga returned to action against Reality Fighting Heavyweight Champion Parker Porter. Gonzaga fought Porter on 8 October where he submitted him with an arm-triangle choke in the third round, winning the Reality Fighting Heavyweight Championship.

Return to the UFC

It was announced that Gonzaga signed a new, four-fight contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship on 16 December 2011. In his return bout, he faced Ednaldo Oliveira at UFC 142, replacing an injured Rob Broughton. Gonzaga won the fight via submission in the first round.

Gabriel Gonzaga was expected to face Shane del Rosario at UFC 146 on 26 May 2012. Gabriel was pulled from the bout against Shane Del Rosario to replace Antônio Silva against Roy Nelson, after Silva was switched to meet Cain Velasquez. Gonzaga later was forced out of the bout against Roy Nelson because of an injury, being replaced by Dave Herman.

Gonzaga was expected to face promotional newcomer and fellow Brazilian Geronimo dos Santos on 13 October 2012 at UFC 153 but dos Santos dropped off the card for an undisclosed reason. As no replacement was scheduled, Gonzaga was also removed from the card.

Gonzaga faced Ben Rothwell on 19 January 2013 at UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping He won the fight via submission in the second round.

Gonzaga lost via first-round knockout to Travis Browne on 13 April 2013 at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale.

Gonzaga faced Dave Herman on 6 July 2013 at UFC 162, replacing Shane del Rosario who had to withdraw from the bout due to an injury. Gonzaga won via KO 17 seconds into the first round.

Gonzaga next faced Shawn Jordan on 19 October 2013 at UFC 166. He won the fight via knockout at 1:13 of round one. This was Gonzaga's second consecutive first-round knockout.

Gonzaga faced Stipe Miocic on 25 January 2014 at UFC on Fox 10. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Post-fight, Gonzaga stated online that he broke his hand in the first round.

Gonzaga faced Matt Mitrione on 13 December 2014 at UFC on Fox 13. He lost the bout in the first round via TKO.

Gonzaga faced returning veteran Mirko Cro Cop in a rematch on 11 April 2015 at UFC Fight Night 64. After dominantly winning the first two rounds and being up 20–17 on the scorecards, Gonzaga was finished by TKO in the third round after a surprise flurry of elbows and punches managed to hurt him and turn the fight around in an instant. Gonzaga later stated that he wasn't ready for all 5 rounds, and that he was surprised by Cro Cop's strength and improved elbows. The bout earned both men Fight of the Night bonus honors.

Gonzaga faced Konstantin Erokhin on 11 December 2015 at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale. He won the fight by unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 30–28).

Gonzaga was expected to face Ruslan Magomedov on 10 April 2016 at UFC Fight Night 86. However, Magomedov was forced out of the bout in early March due to injury and replaced by Derrick Lewis. Gonzaga lost the fight via KO in the first round.

On 30 September 2016 it was announced that Gonzaga would be retiring from the sport unless offered a 6-figure contract from the UFC.

Professional boxing career

On 14 September 2017, it was announced that Gonzaga would be making his pro boxing debut for the Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE) boxing promotion on 26 October against Alejandro Esquilin Santiago. Gonzaga won the four-round bout via majority decision.

Bare-knuckle boxing

On August 28, 2019, it was announced that Gonzaga would make his promotional debut headlining BKFC 8 against fellow UFC veteran Antônio Silva on October 19, 2019. He won the fight via knockout in the second round.

Personal life

Gonzaga and his fiancé live in Massachusetts.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Knockout of the Night (One time)
- Fight of the Night (Two times)
- Tied (Andrei Arlovski, Stefan Struve & Francis Ngannou) for third most finishes in UFC history (11)
- UFC.com Awards
  - 2007: Knockout of the Year & Ranked #3 Upset of the Year vs. Mirko Cro Cop 1
FIGHT! Magazine
- 2007 Knockout of the Year vs. Mirko Cro Cop on 21 April
Fight Matrix
- Most Lopsided Upset of the Year (2007)
Inside Fights
- 2007 Knockout of the Year vs. Mirko Cro Cop on 21 April
Reality Fighting
- Reality Fighting Heavyweight Championship (One time)

Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Confederação Brasileira de Jiu Jitsu Olímpico
- 2006 CBJJO World Cup Super Heavyweight Champion (Black Belt)
- 2005 CBJJO World Cup Super Heavyweight Runner-Up (Black Belt)
- 2005 CBJJO World Cup Absolute 3rd Place (Black Belt)
- 2003 CBJJO World Cup Super Heavyweight Runner-Up (Black Belt)
- 2003 CBJJO World Cup Absolute Runner-Up (Black Belt)

Confederação Brasileira de Jiu Jitsu
- 2006 CBJJ Mundials Super Heavyweight Champion (Black Belt)
- 2005 CBJJ Brazilian Nationals 3rd Place (Black Belt)
- 1999 CBJJ Brazilian Nationals 3rd Place
- 1996/1997 CBJJ Brazilian Nationals Champion (Purple Belt)

International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation
- 2019 World Masters IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship Super Heavyweight Champion (Black Belt)
- 2000 World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship Super Heavyweight 3rd Place (Black Belt)
- 1999 World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship Super Heavyweight 3rd Place (Brown Belt)

Submission grappling

ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship
- 2005 ADCC +99 kg Runner-Up
- Opponents:
  - Won: Mustapha al-Turk (pts), Ricco Rodriguez (pts), Marcio Cruz (pts), Eduardo Telles (pts)
  - Lost: Jeff Monson (pts), Xande Ribeiro (sub)

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
29 matches	17 wins	12 losses
By knockout	9	10
By submission	7	0
By decision	1	2


Res.	Record	Opponent	Method	Event	Date	Round	Time	Location	Notes
Loss	17–12	Alexander Emelianenko	TKO (punches and knees)	RCC: Russian Cagefighting Championship 2	5 May 2018	2	3:43	Yekaterinburg, Russia
Loss	17–11	Derrick Lewis	KO (punches)	UFC Fight Night: Rothwell vs. dos Santos	10 April 2016	1	4:48	Zagreb, Croatia
Win	17–10	Konstantin Erokhin	Decision (unanimous)	The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber Finale	11 December 2015	3	5:00	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss	16–10	Mirko Cro Cop	TKO (elbows and punches)	UFC Fight Night: Gonzaga vs. Cro Cop 2	11 April 2015	3	3:30	Kraków, Poland	Fight of the Night.
Loss	16–9	Matt Mitrione	TKO (punches)	UFC on Fox: dos Santos vs. Miocic	13 December 2014	1	1:59	Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Loss	16–8	Stipe Miocic	Decision (unanimous)	UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Thomson	25 January 2014	3	5:00	Chicago, Illinois, United States
Win	16–7	Shawn Jordan	KO (punches)	UFC 166	19 October 2013	1	1:33	Houston, Texas, United States
Win	15–7	Dave Herman	KO (punches)	UFC 162	6 July 2013	1	0:17	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss	14–7	Travis Browne	KO (elbows)	The Ultimate Fighter: Team Jones vs. Team Sonnen Finale	13 April 2013	1	1:11	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win	14–6	Ben Rothwell	Submission (guillotine choke)	UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping	19 January 2013	2	1:01	São Paulo, Brazil
Win	13–6	Ednaldo Oliveira	Submission (rear-naked choke)	UFC 142	14 January 2012	1	3:22	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win	12–6	Parker Porter	Submission (arm-triangle choke)	Reality Fighting: Gonzaga vs. Porter	8 October 2011	3	1:50	Uncasville, Connecticut, United States	Won the Reality Fighting Heavyweight Championship.
Loss	11–6	Brendan Schaub	Decision (unanimous)	UFC 121	23 October 2010	3	5:00	Anaheim, California, United States
Loss	11–5	Junior dos Santos	TKO (punches)	UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones	21 March 2010	1	3:53	Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Win	11–4	Chris Tuchscherer	TKO (punches)	UFC 102	29 August 2009	1	2:27	Portland, Oregon, United States
Loss	10–4	Shane Carwin	TKO (punches)	UFC 96	7 March 2009	1	1:09	Columbus, Ohio, United States
Win	10–3	Josh Hendricks	KO (punches)	UFC 91	15 November 2008	1	1:01	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win	9–3	Justin McCully	Submission (kimura)	UFC 86	5 July 2008	1	1:57	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss	8–3	Fabrício Werdum	TKO (punches)	UFC 80	19 January 2008	2	4:34	Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Loss	8–2	Randy Couture	TKO (punches)	UFC 74	25 August 2007	3	1:37	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States	For the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win	8–1	Mirko Cro Cop	KO (head kick)	UFC 70	21 April 2007	1	4:51	Manchester, England	UFC Heavyweight title eliminator. Knockout of the Night. Knockout of the Year.
Win	7–1	Carmelo Marrero	Submission (armbar)	UFC 66	30 December 2006	1	3:22	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win	6–1	Fabiano Scherner	TKO (punches)	UFC 60	27 May 2006	2	0:24	Los Angeles, California, United States
Win	5–1	Kevin Jordan	KO (superman punch)	UFC 56	19 November 2005	3	4:39	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win	4–1	Walter Farias	Submission (neck crank)	Shooto Brazil: Never Shake	23 October 2004	2	N/A	São Paulo, Brazil
Win	3–1	Charlie Brown	TKO (exhaustion)	Jungle Fight 2	15 May 2004	3	N/A	Manaus, Brazil
Loss	2–1	Fabrício Werdum	TKO (punches)	Jungle Fight 1	13 September 2003	3	2:11	Manaus, Brazil
Win	2–0	Branden Lee Hinkle	Submission (triangle choke)	Meca 9: Meca World Vale Tudo 9	1 August 2003	1	3:54	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win	1–0	Cicero Costa	TKO (submission to punches)	Brazilian Gladiators 2	2 April 2003	1	N/A	São Paulo, Brazil