As an 18-year-old with an undefeated 7-0 record, Adriano Sousa may have more potential than most prospects in the sport right now. Facing 7-2 Alessandro Albuquerque was no issue for the young fighter, who dispatched the 26-year-old in less than two minutes. The fight was short, but showed what Sousa is capable of and then some.
“Imperador” landed five kicks to the legs and body in the first 15 seconds, followed by a beautiful 2-3 counter on his advancing opponent. He immediately followed with a takedown, but was countered with a throw.
Using the cage as leverage and his head as support, he rotated his body around completely into a better position. When his opponent tried to do the same, Sousa maintained top position and landed in side control. After a lightning-fast transition to half guard, Sousa postured up and delivered a flurry of brutal elbows and hammerfists, totaling over 20 strikes in seconds.
Albuquerque rolled to the side, catching Sousa showing his inexperience and overaggression as he attempted to roll to the back with him, only to be shucked off and put on his back. However, this wasn’t a moment of inexperience, but an opportunity for the young Brazilian. As he was forced to his back, Sousa threw his leg around the back of Albuquerque’s neck and locked up a triangle in the blink of an eye.
After landing some beautiful elbows, he split his opponent open, causing blood to leak onto his chest. A readjustment allowed him to sink the choke in deeper while also snagging the arm in an uncomfortable straight armlock. After leaving his opponent no other options, Sousa forced the tap and claimed the win in under two minutes.
The 18-year-old left the cage with the Future Fighting Championship flyweight title wrapped around him and his 7th finish in as many fights. He dispatched of Albuquerque in under two minutes, right after he took DWCS fighter, Magno Dias, into the second round. This marquee win painted a picture of how high Sousa’s ceiling truly is.
Despite Tapology flagging two wins for a lack of footage, Sousa is a legit 7-0, proven by the 17-7 combined record of his last three opponents. His debut was his only fight to extend past Round 1, and his grappling skill and slickness are apparent.
His footwork and movement help him avoid exchanges he isn’t comfortable in, although he isn’t afraid to take a shot and fire one right back. Physicality and strength are the biggest flaws in Sousa’s game currently, but both will likely improve with age and experience. “Imperador” still has room to grow as a prospect, but deservedly earns the honor of Brazilian Prospect of the Month.