Carlos Candelario

Overview

Carlos Candelario's best numbers are the ones that don't show up on a scorecard: he lands more than most UFC fighters and shoots for takedowns at a far higher rate than the UFC average. The problem is the other half of the ledger.

"The Cannon" is a southpaw flyweight from New Britain, United States, with an 8-3 professional record across all promotions. His UFC record is 0-2. Both losses came in 2022, and he carries a two-fight losing streak into his next appearance.

Good output, not yet good results.

UFC Career

Candelario's road to the UFC ran through Dana White's Contender Series, which is not part of the UFC record. He beat Ronaldo Candido by unanimous decision there in 2017, then lost a split decision to Victor Altamirano in 2021.

He made his UFC debut in May 2022 against Tatsuro Taira and lost a unanimous decision over three rounds. Six months later, Jake Hadley submitted him in the second round, at 2:39.

Two UFC fights, one trip to the scorecards, one finish against him. It's a small sample.

Fighting Style

The profile is clear in the stats. Candelario is a busy striker who lands more per minute than most, and he is far more willing than the typical UFC fighter to look for takedowns. His takedown defense sits around the UFC average.

The flip side is defense. He absorbs more strikes than most and avoids fewer of them. Add almost no submission-hunting of his own, and you get a fighter who works hard but takes a lot back. His one UFC finish loss came by submission, so the grappling exchanges are where he has been exposed.

Quick Facts

• Division: Flyweight
• UFC record: 0-2
• Professional record (all promotions): 8-3-0
• UFC debut: 2022
• Stance: Southpaw
• Height / reach: 5'8" / 68"
• Born: New Britain, United States