Zé Machado
Age: 26
Lightweight
Fighting out of: Samouco, Portugal
Academia Unlimited
With Portugal already having talent across major promotions, notably Manel Kape in the UFC and Gustavo Oliveira in the PFL, there is another Portuguese prospect making waves on the regional scene. Zé Machado first put himself on the map in IMMAFs, where he faced a stacked level of competition. His 17-7 amateur record shows a wealth of experience before ever turning pro. Despite losses to other elite prospects like George Staines, Salamat Isbulaev, and Kurban Idrisov, Machado worked his way back to the top. In 2023, he claimed the IMMAF World Championship at lightweight, defeating eventual 2024 World Champion Masud Odinaev in the finals. After ending his amateur career on a high note, Machado has translated that success to his pro career.
With four first-round finishes in as many pro fights, Machado has never faced an opponent with a losing record. Three of his opponents actually won their next fight, and his most recent opponent has not fought since. Despite being new to WOW, Machado immediately became one of their best prospects. Despite being just 5’7 at lightweight, Machado hasn’t let his size hold back his skills.
In his WOW debut, Machado faced twelve-fight WOW veteran Enrique Exposito (4-1). At a 5-inch height disadvantage, Machado used leg kicks to disrupt his long opponent on the feet before disengaging out of striking range. When his opponent used his jab to gain an advantage, Machado slipped and fired back some big counters. Machado then used a pair of side steps to move inside, grabbing a body lock and securing a takedown. Machado landed ground and pound with some nasty elbows before Exposito worked back to his feet, a short-lived success. Back on the feet, the Portuguese fighter landed a spinning body kick into a double leg, lifting his adversary and bringing him back to the mat. It took no time for Machado to work into a crucifix and land some more elbows. As Exposito tried to work out, he was caught in a slick guillotine and forced to tap.
Leg kicks and power double legs are two of the best tools in Machado’s arsenal that appear almost every fight. Despite his height disadvantage, he consistently finds takedowns and ways to minimize his opponent’s size. Machado’s chain wrestling and transitions stand out on the ground, with his elbows causing the damage needed to open up submission attempts. While his control on the ground leaves a bit to be desired, his chain wrestling minimizes the issue. Machado’s 12-6 elbows are devastating and force opponents to move desperately.
Machado works best in the mount, where he forces opponents to work out sloppily while punching, then sneaks in submissions. He also does a great job of retaining position after failed submission attempts, allowing him to finish the fight with strikes. Machado also utilizes strong feints and footwork that grant openings when striking and set up his takedowns. His short left hook packs vicious knockout power, showing in his pro debut with an emphatic win.
Zé Machado faces Michel Martinez (5-1) at WOW 27 in Madrid this Saturday on UFC Fight Pass. Despite Martinez’s impressive record, he has yet to beat an opponent as highly regarded as Machado. A win over Martinez would mark his ninth straight, dating back to his amateur career. Following his last win, Machado had a brief conversation with UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. Deserved recognition from the current champion is a great start, and Hecher Sosa’s DWCS success bodes well for his future as WOW continues to grow.