Adriano Moraes scores comeback, legit last-second submission with choke
Adriano Moraes built up a solid MMA foundation as a youth through his training in capoeira, judo, and jiu-jitsu, making his professional MMA debut in 2011. Moraes became a name internationally at flyweight, going on to claim major MMA flyweight gold on a number of occasions. Moraes enters this fight off a loss to Yuya Wakamatsu in March 2025.
Phumi Nkuta gets a major opportunity to compete on a world stage, filling in for Muhammad Mokaev. Nkuta is known for his extraordinary grappling skills and ranked as one of the best flyweights on the regional scene throughout America. Nkuta is 11-0, coming into this bout off a decision win over Namiki Kawahara a couple of months ago.
Will Moraes get back in the win column? Or will Nkuta pull off a surprise in his toughest test to date?
ROUND 1
Moraes circling on the outside. Moraes misses a high kick. Moraes misses a low kick. Right hand to the body by Nkuta. Nkuta lands a kick to the body. Moraes misses a low kick. Front kick and a right hand by Moraes. Chopping low kick by Moraes. Low kick by Nkuta. One-two by Nkuta, but Moraes lands a counterpunch. Nkuta blocks a high kick. Moraes presses Nkuta into the fence, but Nkuta keeps himself composed and avoids the takedown. Left hand by Moraes. Right hand by Moraes.
Moraes with a low kick, but Nkuta hits a one-two. Moraes goes in for another clinch, the action now against the cage. They work their way off. Left hand by Nkuta. Right hand by Nkuta. Nkuta catches Moraes off balance with a right hand! Guillotine attempt by Nkuta! Moraes gets out of it and gets out of the grasp. Nkuta rattles Moraes again! Nkuta lands strong left hands! Moraes on his back now. Arm-triangle attempt by Nkuta! But there’s not enough time! He abandons it and lands some more hammerfists.
ROUND 2
Moraes lands the leg kick. He goes for the back right away, getting into backpack position on Nkuta. Moraes is searching for the choke, but Nkuta is fighting with his hands. Moraes landing some punches, trying to open Nkuta up. Nkuta continues to fight, and he’s able to get Moraes off and change the position! Now he’s going for a takedown on Moraes!
Nkuta new title: Escape Artist.
— MVP – Most Valuable Promotions (@MostVpromotions) May 17, 2026
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Nkuta fires a one-two on the break. Counter left hook by Nkuta. Nkuta with a calf kick. Power right hand by Nkuta! Moraes with a high kick. Left hand by Moraes. Right hand by Nkuta. Moraes looking to pressure with kicks. Nkuta looking to pressure back. Strong right hand stumbles Moraes back! Moraes with a left hook. Moraes with a right hand. Wide hook by Nkuta, and Moraes answers with a jumping knee.
Nkuta's right hand connects!
— MVP – Most Valuable Promotions (@MostVpromotions) May 17, 2026
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ROUND 3
Moraes looking to bring some combinations to start the round. Strong left hand by Moraes. Nkuta with a left hand, but he misses the right overhand. Left hand by Moraes. Another combination by Moraes. Moraes level changes. Nkuta avoids the takedown but misses the right on the break. Low kick by Nkuta. Right hand by Nkuta. Moraes with a right. Low kick by Nkuta. Moraes with a jab. Left hand by Moraes. Left-right combination by Nkuta. Left hand misses for Moraes. Moraes with a right hand. Nkuta stumbles Moraes back.
Left hand by Moraes. Left hand by Moraes. Nkuta with a lead hook. Nkuta with another shot. Moraes with a level change. Nkuta presses Moraes into the fence. Strong combination by Nkuta! Body shot by Nkuta. Left hand by Nkuta. Right hand by Nkuta. Moraes lands a right. Nkuta with another combination. Strong exchanges! Nkuta off balance from a knee attempt by Moraes. Moraes gets on Nkuta and locks in a choke! Time expires! Herb Dean gets Moraes off! WAIT! NKUTA IS NOT GETTING UP! HE’S OUT COLD!
WAS NKUTA OUT AT THE BELL…?
— MVP – Most Valuable Promotions (@MostVpromotions) May 17, 2026
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The CSAC is reviewing the footage…
THEY SAY NKUTA WAS OUT!
ADRIANO MORAES GETS VICTORY FROM THE JAWS OF DEFEAT!
OFFICIAL RESULT
Adriano Moraes def. Phumi Nkuta via third-round technical submission (rear-naked choke) (4:59)
