Kleber Barboza beat Fonacier twice. Now he wants the belt

Kleber Barboza makes his UFC BJJ debut this Thursday, October 29, with a title on the line. At UFC BJJ 13, at Meta APEX in Las Vegas, the Brazilian from Dream Art faces Jalen Fonacier for the bantamweight belt left vacant when Mikey Musumeci stepped away to focus on MMA. It will be their fourth meeting, and Barboza holds a 2-1 edge.

In an exclusive interview with VF Comunica, Barboza talked about a rivalry that started back in the colored belts, Fonacier’s perfect record in the promotion, and what the belt would mean for a kid who found jiu-jitsu through a community program in São Paulo.

A rivalry from the colored belts

In 2024, both still brown belts, they met in two of the season’s biggest finals. Barboza beat Fonacier for the European title, and Fonacier got him back in the Pan final. Since then, Fonacier has won two black belt world titles at roosterweight and gone unbeaten in UFC BJJ.

Barboza isn’t leaning on the past. “I’ve grown a lot since those matches. I’m more experienced and more mature now, and I see the fight differently. I’ve been through a lot of tournaments, faced high-level opponents and learned a lot from both wins and losses,” he said.

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“I know Jalen has improved too, so I don’t think past results decide what happens now. I’m working hard, studying every detail and getting ready to show up on October 29 as the best version of myself. This time there’s a belt on the line, and I’m ready to give everything to win it.”

Asked if Fonacier is his biggest rival, he didn’t hesitate. “For sure, Jalen is one of the most important opponents of my career. Our story goes back to the colored belts, and it’s really cool to see how we’ve both grown and made it to this level, fighting for a belt at one of the biggest events in grappling.”

“Beating him twice gives me confidence, but that doesn’t mean I go into the match thinking about the past. Every fight has its own story, and I have a lot of respect for the athlete he’s become. My job is to represent my team, my family and everyone who believes in me. I don’t need to prove I’m better than him outside the mat. I need to show my work inside the Bowl and leave with that belt.”

A title shot in his debut

Barboza earned the shot by winning the UFC BJJ Open in Las Vegas, where he went 4-0 at 65 kg without giving up a single point. Fonacier is 4-0 in the promotion, with three heel hook finishes, including the fastest submission in UFC BJJ history at 19 seconds. His most recent win, over Mourece Ramirez at UFC BJJ 10, was his first to go to the judges.

“Jalen has earned his spot. He’s been doing great work in UFC BJJ and deserves respect for what he’s accomplished. But I really believe in my potential and in everything I’ve built in my career. I have experience at the highest level, I’ve faced great athletes and I know what it’s like to compete under pressure.”

“My first match in the promotion is already for a belt, and I see that as a huge opportunity, not as bad pressure. I’m not worried about who’s favored or about his record there. I’m focused on my preparation, my game plan and putting on a great fight. On the 29th, I want to show why I’m here and win this title.”

The No-Gi Worlds silver

In 2025, Barboza took silver at the IBJJF No-Gi World Championship at black belt.

“That silver meant a lot, but it also made me hungrier to get to the top of the podium. I feel like a much more complete and mature athlete today, and I believe I’m in one of the best moments of my career. Now I have a huge opportunity in UFC BJJ, and I want to turn everything I’ve been building into a big result.”

From a community program to Las Vegas

Born in São Paulo in 2003, Barboza started jiu-jitsu at 13 in the Diamante Bruto community program under coach Josyclay Gomes. He joined Dream Art as a blue belt and earned his purple, brown and black belts from Isaque Bahiense.

“Winning this belt would mean much more than a personal victory. My story started in community programs, where we didn’t always have what we needed to train, but we never lacked drive or dreams. Then I got the chance to grow as an athlete at Dream Art, with support from people who believed in me, like coach Isaque Bahiense and the whole team that’s been part of my journey.”

“Getting here shows it’s worth believing, working hard and making the most of your chances. If I win this title, it belongs to everyone who’s been with me since the beginning, from my family to my coaches and training partners. I want to show it’s possible to come from a tough reality and reach the biggest stage in the sport.”

His message to Fonacier: “Respect. We’ve been facing each other since the colored belts and watched each other grow until this moment. It’s an honor to fight for a belt this important against an athlete at his level. But this is a new story, with new rules and a new challenge. I hope we can put on a great show for the fans. On October 29, I’ll be ready to give my best and go get that belt. May the one who does the better job inside the Bowl win.”

How to watch UFC BJJ 13

UFC BJJ 13 airs Thursday, October 29, at 8 p.m. ET on UFC Fight Pass, live from Meta APEX in Las Vegas. The card also features Natã Tenca vs. Nicky Rod and Ffion Davies vs. Jaine Fragoso.

Does Barboza extend his edge and leave Las Vegas with the belt, or does Fonacier even the series and stay perfect in UFC BJJ? Drop your pick in the comments.