Manfio was born in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil on November 3, 1991. Raush, a professional MMA fighter since 2011, initially lived a carefree lifestyle as a "playboy" in Brazil. After a setback in the TUF Brasil qualifiers, he sought improvement, joining American Top Team in Florida. Struggling with finances and unable to bring his wife initially, the church community stepped in to help, allowing her to join him. Despite early success in Titan FC, visa issues and financial struggles followed. Raush took odd jobs, learning construction skills, and faced setbacks, including a title loss. Frustratingly, he went without fights for three years, facing financial difficulties with a growing family.[4][5] Despite contemplating a career change, Raush's wife, Michele, urged him to persist. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened their situation in 2020. Considering a shift away from fighting, Raush gave himself an ultimatum, planning to quit with his manager's encouragement. However, his manager insisted on one more month, supporting him financially and expressing belief in his potential championship. He was eventually signed as a late replacement for the PFL season.[6][7][8]
Manfio is best friends with two-time PFL Lightweight champion Natan Schulte. Schulte is the godfather of Manfio’s daughter.[9]
Mixed martial arts career
Manfio began competing in professional MMA in 2011 in his native Brazil, with a win against Demetro Borges in Brazil's Valiant FC 8 promotion.[1]
The Ultimate Fighter
In March 2015, it was announced that Manfio was one of the fighters selected to be on the UFCreality showThe Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4.[10] Manfio was eliminated by eventual lightweight season winner Glaico França.[11]
After losing on the Ultimate Fighter, He found his way to American Top Team with the support of MMA veteran Carlos Barreto, and it was during this time that he received a glimmer of hope from a friend's promise of sponsorship. It seemed like a lifeline to continue his journey in the U.S.[4]
However, the promise of sponsorship turned out to be a mirage. With no money and no options, Manfio made a bold choice to leave the U.S. behind. But fate had other plans. As he lived in one of the apartments provided by ATT and befriended Adriano Moraes, a ONE Championship fighter, an unexpected opportunity presented itself. Moraes needed a cornerman for his fight in Myanmar, and Manfio stepped up.[4][8]
That experience reignited Manfio's passion for fighting, and it was through Moraes' manager, Alex Davis, that he received an offer that changed his trajectory. A fight at Titan FC was on the table, and Manfio seized it.[4][6]
He debuted in the United States at Titan FC in 2016.[12] From November 2017 to June 2018, he held the role of Titan FC lightweight champion, after defeating Chazz Walton via knockout in the first round.[4][13] He lost the title to Sidney Outlaw at Titan FC 50.[14] However, a disappointing loss and inadequate compensation for his efforts forced him to take a job in construction to fund his work visa. Before signing with PFL, Manfio hadn't fought in three years and was working teaching MMA and as a janitor.[15][16]
Professional Fighters League
2021 Season
Manfio made his PFL debut as a short notice replacement for Olivier Aubin-Mercier against Joilton Lutterbach on April 23, 2021 at PFL 1.[17] He won the bout via split decision.
After being initially booked as a short notice replacement for Mikhail Odintsov against his teammate Natan Schulte at PFL 4 on June 10, 2021, Manfio was later rebooked against Anthony Pettis at PFL 6 on June 25, 2021 after Pettis pulled out of his previous bout due to illness.[18] Manfio won the close bout via split decision.[19]
In the semi-finals of the Lightweight tournament, Manfio faced Clay Collard on August 13, 2021 at PFL 7.[20] Manfio won the bout via unanimous decision.[21]
Manfio faced Loik Radzhabov in the Finals of the Lightweight tournament on 27 October 2021 at PFL 10.[22] He won the bout via unanimous decision, winning the 2021 PFL Lightweight Tournament and $1 million dollar prize.[23]
Manfio faced Don Madge on April 23, 2022 at PFL 1.[27] In a comeback fashion, Manfio won the bout after dropping Madge in the third round and finishing with ground and pound.[28][16]
Manfio started off the 2023 season against Alex Martinez on April 14, 2023, at PFL 3.[31] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[32]
Manfio faced Natan Schulte on June 23, 2023 at PFL 6.[33] Manfio lost via a unanimous decision in a fight that saw both men, who openly state to be best friends, refuse to engage.[34] Following the fight, PFL suspended both fighters, saying in a statement that "All fighters in their PFL Fight Agreements agree to use their best efforts ... skills and abilities as a professional athlete to compete ... and defeat any opponent. It was very clear that Natan and Raush did not meet that contractual standard in yesterday’s bout."[35]
On October 6, 2023, Manfio announced on his social media that he was no longer with PFL.[36]
