Manuel Torres (fighter)


Manuel Roberto Torres Cano is a Mexican professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Lightweight division of Ultimate Fighting Championship. As of December 9, 2025, he is #13 in the UFC lightweight rankings.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

He began his professional MMA career in May 2014, and over the next four years, he had amassed an undefeated record of 8-0. His debut was a first-round TKO victory over Ever Alvarado at the WBS 2 World Best Gladiators event.
On November 3, 2018, Torres lost his undefeated record to Mahatma García at Hardcore Fighter 3 via submission after being submitted by a heel hook.
Torres faced Kolton Englund on October 26, 2021, at season 5 of DWCS. He won the fight via first-round TKO and secured a UFC contract.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Torres made his promotional debut against Frank Camacho on May 14, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 36. He won the fight via second-round TKO. This victory earned him Performance of the Night honors.
Torres was scheduled to face Trey Ogden on March 25, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 43. However, the bout was cancelled the day before due to Torres suffering a medical issue.
Torres faced Nikolas Motta on June 17, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 47. He won the fight via knockout after finishing Motta with a first-round elbow. This victory earned him his second Performance of the Night honor.
Torres faced Chris Duncan on February 24, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 237. He won the fight via first-round submission. This victory earned him Performance of the Night honors for the third consecutive year.
Torres faced Ignacio Bahamondes on September 14, 2024, at UFC 306. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.
Torres faced Drew Dober on March 29, 2025, at UFC on ESPN 64. He won the fight via TKO in the first round. This victory earned him a Performance of the Night award for the fourth consecutive year.
Torres faced Grant Dawson on December 6, 2025, at UFC 323. He won the fight by technical knockout in the first round. This fight earned him another Performance of the Night award.

Championships and accomplishments

Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • * Performance of the Night
  • *Second shortest average time in UFC Lightweight division history
  • *Most knockdowns-per-fifteen minutes in UFC Lightweight division history
  • *Third most significant strikes landed per minute in UFC Lightweight division history
  • *Fourth highest striking differential in UFC Lightweight division history Beat Down MMA
  • * BDMMA Featherweight Championship
  • * BDMMA Featherweight Grand Prix winner