Tiago Afonso

Tiago Afonso is a Paraguayan-born professional mixed martial artist based in Brazil, better known by his nickname “Moikano.” He fights out of Capão da Canoa, Rio Grande do Sul, represents Pelé Team, and currently competes as a heavyweight. Tapology lists him at approximately 180 cm (5 ft 11 in), while Sherdog lists him slightly shorter; recent heavyweight appearances have put him around 120 kg / 265 lb.

Afonso is an experienced regional MMA fighter whose career is particularly notable for its variety: his victories are split between knockouts, submissions and decisions, rather than being concentrated in one area.

Afonso made his professional MMA debut on 3 May 2014, when he was only 17 years old. His early career took place primarily on the Brazilian regional circuit, where he accumulated experience across numerous smaller promotions.

Interestingly, he did not begin his career as a heavyweight. Earlier fights took place considerably lower, including a middleweight bout at 185 lb in 2019, before he eventually grew into the heavyweight division later in his career.

Moikano built much of his record between 2014 and 2021, competing regularly around southern Brazil. His wins included a mixture of stoppages and decisions, demonstrating a broader skill set than his heavyweight appearance might initially suggest.

After several years away from recorded professional MMA competition, Afonso returned in 2025 and immediately began facing tougher opposition.

Despite now competing at heavyweight, Afonso is not simply a one-dimensional power puncher. His record shows a surprisingly substantial submission component, with five of his ten official victories coming on the ground.

His biggest vulnerability has been durability against strikes. Seven of his eight official defeats have come by KO/TKO, with several occurring early in fights.

Moikano is primarily a veteran regional-level MMA fighter rather than a major international championship-level name. His résumé has been built through years of competition across smaller South American and European promotions rather than organizations such as the UFC, PFL or ONE.

Nevertheless, 18 official professional bouts, experience across several weight classes and an unusually balanced 3 KO / 5 submission / 2 decision distribution make him a considerably more experienced MMA competitor than his recent losing streak alone might suggest.

Tiago “Moikano” Afonso is a Paraguayan-born, Brazil-based heavyweight mixed martial artist who has competed professionally since 2014. After beginning his career in much lighter divisions, he eventually developed into a roughly 120 kg heavyweight while retaining a surprisingly submission-heavy skill set.

By September 2026, Moikano held an official 10–8 professional record with eight finishes — three by KO/TKO and five by submission. His upcoming LFL 24 fight against former world-class judoka Roy Meyer represents another international opportunity for a fighter whose career has taken him from Brazil's regional scene into increasingly diverse European matchups.