Manoel Sousa Earns Unanimous Decision Over Richie Miranda at UFC Vegas 120
Manoel Sousa stayed undefeated in the UFC with a unanimous decision victory over Richie Miranda on Saturday night.
The lightweight bout took place on the preliminary card of UFC Vegas 120, also known as UFC Fight Night: Gamrot vs. Salkilld, at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. All three judges scored the three-round contest 29-28 in favor of Sousa.
Sousa improved to 15-1 overall and 2-0 inside the Octagon. The 29-year-old Brazilian, nicknamed “Manumito,” made his promotional debut in March with a third-round knockout of Bolaji Oki and followed it up with another solid performance against a tough opponent.
Miranda dropped to 13-2 as a professional and 0-1 in the UFC. The California fighter entered as the LFA lightweight champion and brought a six-fight winning streak into his Octagon debut after building a strong regional resume.
Sousa controlled the pace across the 15 minutes and secured the close but clear verdict on the scorecards. The win keeps his perfect start in the UFC intact and adds another layer to a rising lightweight prospect who has shown both finishing power and the ability to grind out decisions.
Miranda pressed the action at times and made it a competitive scrap, but Sousa’s volume and consistency carried the day according to the judges. The Brazilian has now gone the distance successfully while also proving he can end fights with heavy hands, as he did against Oki earlier this year.
Sousa’s path to the UFC included a Contender Series contract win and prior experience in Bellator. He has built a reputation for powerful striking that traces back to a hardworking background before full-time fighting. The decision over Miranda demonstrates he can handle a durable, well-rounded opponent over three rounds at the highest level.
The lightweight division remains one of the deepest in the UFC, filled with ranked contenders and hungry newcomers. Sousa’s early 2-0 mark positions him as a name to monitor as matchmakers look to place rising talents against established competition.
Miranda’s debut loss ends an impressive run outside the UFC but does not erase the foundation he built as an LFA titleholder. The American southpaw will look to rebound and show the skills that earned him the call-up in the first place.
Sousa’s ability to secure another victory without needing a finish adds versatility to his game. Fighters who can both knock opponents out and win decisions often find longer stays on the roster and clearer paths upward.
The result fits the pattern of several close preliminary-card decisions on the night. Sousa’s second win keeps him moving forward while the lightweight ranks continue to sort themselves out through consistent performances.
Looking ahead, Sousa will wait for his next assignment as the UFC evaluates the 155-pound landscape. A 2-0 start gives him leverage and attention in a division that rewards momentum and proven results. Miranda will seek a quick return to the win column after a competitive first outing in the Octagon.