If you’ve ever seen a guy in the Octagon suddenly drop to one hand and launch a spinning heel kick that looks more like a breakdance move than a tactical strike, you’ve probably met Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. Most fans just call him "Capoeira." Honestly, that nickname isn't just for show. It defines every weird, violent, and beautiful second he spends inside the cage.
He’s one of those fighters who reminds you why MMA is called "mixed" martial arts.
Born in Francisco Beltrão, Brazil, back in 1986, Elizeu didn't start with wrestling or boxing. He started with the rhythmic, acrobatic flows of Capoeira at age nine. You can see it in his footwork. It’s bouncy. It’s unpredictable. By the time he hit his twenties, he was already taking pro MMA fights, eventually clawing his way through the brutal Brazilian circuit to become the Jungle Fight Welterweight Champion.
The Career of Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos: More Than Just a Highlight Reel
When people talk about Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, they usually lead with the 2018 knockout of Sean Strickland. It was a spinning wheel kick that landed flush, followed by a flurry of punches that ended the night in the first round. At that moment, it felt like "Capoeira" was on a collision course with a title shot. He was on a seven-fight win streak, taking out guys like Max Griffin and Lyman Good in absolute wars.
But the UFC’s 170-pound division is a shark tank. It’s not just about who hits the hardest; it’s about who can survive the grind.
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A Resume of Pure Chaos
His record, which currently sits at 25-10-1, tells a story of a man who refuses to be in a boring fight. Think about his 2021 clash with Benoit Saint Denis. Most people remember that as one of the most lopsided beatings in recent history that somehow went to a decision. Elizeu landed nearly 150 significant strikes. He basically introduced the world to Saint Denis by testing the Frenchman's chin for fifteen straight minutes.
However, 2025 has been a bit of a reality check for the veteran.
Age starts to catch up with everyone, even the most fluid athletes. In March 2025, he faced Chidi Njokuani. Despite being the favorite, Elizeu was caught by a knee up the middle in the second round. Then, in August 2025, he dropped a TKO loss to the legendary Neil Magny. These aren't just "losses" on paper; they represent the shifting guard in a division that is getting younger and faster every day.
What People Get Wrong About His Style
There’s this misconception that Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos is just a "striker." That's kinda lazy. Sure, he has 15 wins by knockout, but he’s also a high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Cristiano Marcello. You’ve seen him snatch necks when people get too comfortable on the ground. His win over Curtis Millender via rear-naked choke in the first round proved he’s just as dangerous on the mat as he is mid-air.
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The real secret to his success isn't just the flashy kicks. It’s the "ginga"—that fundamental movement in Capoeira. It keeps his head off the center line. It makes it nearly impossible for traditional boxers to find his rhythm.
- Striking Accuracy: Around 41%
- Takedown Defense: A solid 67%
- The "X-Factor": His ability to turn a defensive retreat into a flying knee or a spinning backfist.
The 2026 Outlook: Is the Magic Still There?
Let’s be real for a second. At 39 years old, the window for a title run is basically closed. But that doesn't mean Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos is irrelevant. Far from it. He’s transitioned into that "gatekeeper" role, but not the boring kind. He’s the guy you have to beat if you want to prove you belong in the Top 15. If you can’t handle his unorthodox angles, you aren't ready for the elite.
His recent struggles against Magny and Njokuani show that his chin might not be what it once was. You can't take that much damage for twenty years and not expect a tax. But even in those losses, he’s still dangerous. He nearly finished Rinat Fakhretdinov in 2023, coming back from a massive deficit to earn a majority draw. That's the thing about "Capoeira"—he's never truly out of a fight until the ref steps in.
Why You Should Still Care
If you're a fan of the technical side of the sport, watching his tape is like a masterclass in creativity. He’s one of the few fighters who actually successfully integrated a traditional, often-mocked art like Capoeira into the highest level of combat. He didn't just use it as a gimmick; he made it work against world-class wrestlers and kickboxers.
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Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re following Elizeu’s career as we move deeper into 2026, keep these things in mind:
- Watch the First Round: Elizeu is a notorious fast starter. If he doesn't get the finish or land something significant early, his output tends to drop as the "explosive" movements drain his gas tank.
- The Underdog Value: Historically, he performs incredibly well when people count him out. Look at the Abubakar Nurmagomedov fight—he was a slight dog and walked away with a gritty split decision win.
- Appreciate the Legacy: We are likely seeing the final chapter of a pioneer. There aren't many fighters left from the 2015-era UFC who are still competing at this level. Enjoy the spinning kicks while they're still landing.
The story of Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos isn't one of a dominant champion, but rather one of a brilliant artist who refused to fight like everyone else. Whether he's winning or losing, he’s doing it with a style that belongs entirely to him.
To keep up with his next move, you should regularly check the official UFC rankings and look for upcoming Fight Night cards in Brazil, where he usually gets his biggest pops from the crowd. Paying attention to his social media for training clips at CM System will also give you a hint at whether he’s leaning more into his grappling or striking for his next outing.