With an explosive fight, Samuel Caveira aims for a UFC contract and the chance to change his family's destiny.

Samuel Caveira in victory over George Hardwick. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @caveiramma

Former Cage Warriors lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), Samuel Caveira is preparing for the biggest fight of his career. Representing Brazilian TKO, the Amazonian fighter will appear this Tuesday (02) at the Contender Series, where he will face Canadian Mandel Nallo. Known for his violent style, the fighter expects a great show in front of Dana White and his allies.

In an exclusive interview to SUPER FIGHTS, Samuel began his talk about how he feels after the last three episodes of the 2025 season. With ease in controlling his emotions, the athlete highlighted that good or bad performances do not put him under any pressure.

"It doesn't really bother me much. When I see Brazilians performing poorly, I think, 'Wow...'. The third week was very good for the Brazilians, three new signings, that cheers me up. But I know everyone has their own deadline and that it's up to me. So I'll go there, I'll give it my all, and I'm sure my flag, Team Caveira's, and my team's will be raised high."

Samuel Caveira in Cage Warriors' victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @caveiramma

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First sensations in the UFC

Despite not being on the official lightweight roster, Samuel has already had two experiences of receiving gala treatment from the organization. With all his faith, Caveira, who had already traveled to Las Vegas in 2024 and was recently able to go to São Paulo for his recordings, said he feels at home, that everything he experienced was an omen.

"The UFC is different. Last year, my training partner Heraldo (Souza) participated in Contender, and I had the opportunity to go with him to the filming and all the media, which was in Las Vegas. So, it was as if God was showing me where I was going to work, everything that was going to happen. I was talking to my manager, and it was an omen. I saw everything, the treatment, everything that involves the pre-fight, and it was incredible. I felt like something was already being prepared for me."

"Nothing was a surprise. Now that I'm filming in São Paulo, I already feel at home. It's funny that everyone working there at the UFC seemed to already know me. I felt like I was already a part of it, and I said in my interview that something of me was already part of it. Nothing will dazzle me; I feel like I've been there a long time."

Samuel Caveira filming for Contender Series. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @caveiramma

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Wait for the long-awaited day

Considered one of the top Brazilian prospects today, Samuel is riding a five-game winning streak. This positive streak has taken a toll on his psyche, as he was already yearning for the coveted Contender Series invitation. However, despite the negative impact, Caveira admitted the change has had positive consequences for his career.

"Last year was one of the most anxious years of my life. Last year, yes, I was very anxious. Professionally, I fought once in the LFA against (Anderson) Buzika, and all that talk about how they're going to call me, they're going to call me, and they didn't call me (for Contender), I'm going straight into (the UFC), but I didn't. It was a very anxious year, one of the worst years of my life."

"This year I made the decision to let go of that control. We always say it's in God's hands, but often we still try to manipulate time and situations, and nothing I did worked last year. This year I just trained without pressure and waited for God's timing. And just like my friend Milson (Castro) said and always says: 'After I took this step, to live a light life, without getting so attached to it, it was as if God greased the gears of my life.'"

Samuel Caveira at the official Contender Series weigh-in. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @caveiramma

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Importance of victory

Straight from Tefé, Samuel had to leave his parents in the Amazonas countryside to pursue his dream of joining the UFC. Today, living in Curitiba, the fighter remains aware of the importance that signing the contract will bring to his career and his family's life.

"They understand (the weight of the Contender). My parents, together, are a team; they know the importance, but they also don't put pressure on me. I don't feel pressured by anything either. I think my own personality favors me. I really don't feel pressure. It's not something that comes out of my mouth to try to manipulate (...) Of course, I know my responsibility, because it really is the fight of my life. I can really change my family's history, the natural course they would have taken."

Next opponent: Mandel Nallo

The bookmakers' favorite for the Contender matchup, Samuel is preparing to face Mandel Nallo, a Canadian with a 13-3 record. Aware of his upcoming opponent's impressive capabilities, the Amazonian fighter assured that he has studied every potential potential issue on Tuesday.

"We did everything together (training partners and master André Dida). We studied him, watched his fights, his strengths and weaknesses, and devised a strategy, a good game plan to take him down. But he's a good guy, you can't underestimate him. If he's in the Contender, it's because he deserves it, but I believe I have all the weapons to finish him."

Mandel Nallo facing off with Samuel Caveira. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @caveiramma

Aggressive style

Comfortable with the pressure imposed by Dana, who demands exciting performances in the Contender Series, Samuel expresses nothing but confidence in putting on a great show in front of the leaders.

"I talk about this a lot with my friends. My style is clear in all my fights: I go in there to finish the fights, and when I don't, it's always a war. I know my own personality will attract attention. I won't force anything. I want to go in there and be as simple as possible, be myself, and let my game go. I'm sure what happens will impress Dana White."

Dream ending

Finally, the fighter imagined what the ideal scenario would be like to defeat an opponent and secure a contract that would change the course of his family.

"The perfect outcome would be to start the fight, me hurting his legs, him starting to lose his composure, losing control of the fight, and landing punches. The perfect scenario would be to kick him in the head and go off to celebrate," he concluded.