UFC Fight Night 261 – Jafel Filho vs Clayton Carpenter

The flyweight matchup between Jafel Filho and Clayton Carpenter took place on October 11, 2025, at the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as part of UFC Fight Night 261. This event marked the UFC’s return to Rio, featuring a mix of established fighters and rising talents. The Filho vs. Carpenter bout was featured on the preliminary card, contributing to the excitement of the evening.

Leading up to the fight, Filho faced significant health challenges. Prior to his previous bout in May, he suffered a severe spider bite that led to a dangerous infection, risking potential thrombosis and even the loss of his leg. Despite his doctor’s advice to withdraw, Filho chose to fight, keeping the condition secret from his team—only his wife was aware. The infection caused him to struggle with mobility and even led to lung hyperventilation during the match. He disclosed his condition to his coach only during the weigh-in period to prove his fitness through drills.

Tactically, Filho’s camp likely emphasized his grappling abilities, aiming to capitalize on his submission skills. Clayton Carpenter, known for his aggressive striking and high output, likely planned to pressure Filho early, exploiting any perceived weaknesses. The fight was expected to be competitive, with both fighters bringing distinct skill sets to the octagon.

Pre-fight media coverage highlighted the contrasting styles of the two fighters. Filho’s grappling prowess was a focal point, while Carpenter’s aggressive striking and durability were also discussed. Analysts speculated that the outcome would depend on whether Filho could overcome his injury and deliver his powerful strikes or if Carpenter could maintain relentless pressure to neutralize Filho’s offense.

Studio analysts provided insights into the matchup, noting that Filho’s grappling could pose challenges for Carpenter. However, they also acknowledged Carpenter’s resilience and ability to withstand pressure as factors that could influence the fight’s outcome. Overall, the consensus was that the bout had the potential to be a thrilling contest between two fighters with different approaches to the game.