Clayton Carpenter Eyes Victory in Rio After First Loss

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — After experiencing his first loss in the professional ranks, Clayton Carpenter is determined to bounce back this weekend against Jafel Filho at UFC Rio.

Carpenter, who holds an 8-1 record, faced his first defeat on January 18 when he lost a unanimous decision to Tagir Ulanbekov at UFC 311. Before that, Carpenter had made an impressive mark as a fighter, going 6-1 in the amateur circuit and 5-0 in his professional debut, including three wins with the LFA.

His journey to the UFC began with a unanimous decision victory against Edgar Chairez in the Dana White’s Contender Series, where he secured a UFC contract. In his first two UFC fights, Carpenter finished Juancamilo Ronderos and Lucas Rocha through rear-naked chokes, showcasing his grappling prowess.

“Every loss teaches you something,” Carpenter said. “I was a bit salty about it, but I’m focused on learning and getting back to where I was.”

Training at The MMA Lab under head coach John Crouch, Carpenter is honing his skills and confidence. “I’m lucky to have quality training partners here. It prepares me well for fighting,” Carpenter added.

On the other side of the Octagon, Jafel Filho enters the match with a record of 16-4, known for his grappling expertise and strong submission skills. He has earned 10 of his wins via submission, making him a formidable opponent.

<p“I'm not afraid to grapple with anyone,” Carpenter stated regarding his matchup with Filho, who is regarded as a submission wizard. “It’ll be exciting to see where the fight goes.”

With an aim to perform spectacularly, Carpenter believes in putting on a show for fans, stating, “I’m not interested in boring fights. I want to put on a performance.”

As he prepares to compete in front of a home crowd serving as a backdrop for Filho, Carpenter knows that victory can come with added significance. “I can’t wait for them to chant against me! A win here would mean everything,” he said.

The fight will take place at Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro. Fans can catch the prelims starting at 4 p.m. ET on October 11, 2025, with the main card following at 7 p.m. ET.