GiGi Canuto proud to be first fighter to ‘make it rain’ in octagon after winning Daniel Cormier bet on TUF 34

GiGi Canuto made history on The Ultimate Fighter 34 with an unconventional octagon celebration after dismantling Anita Karim in dominant fashion. The 23-year-old strawweight needed less than 30 seconds to finish her opponent with devastating body kicks, earning Team Michael Bisping its first victory of the season while also collecting a $500 wager from opposing coach Daniel Cormier.

Canuto had proposed the bet moments before her fight after overhearing one of Cormier's coaches express doubt about her striking abilities. Confident in her striking prowess, she wagered $500 that she would secure a knockout victory—and delivered spectacularly. After Cormier paid up immediately following the impressive performance, Canuto decided to celebrate by literally making it rain in the octagon, throwing the cash in the air. The UFC production team indicated she may be the first fighter ever to celebrate in this manner, a claim that amused even Dana White, who was cageside for the moment.

Canuto, a highly decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion, had previously competed in UFC Fight Pass events and entered TUF 34 with significant credentials, boasting a 7-1 professional record. Though initially hesitant about joining the reality competition show, viewing it as beneath her capabilities, she ultimately decided the experience aligned with her career trajectory. Her willingness to be authentically herself on camera extended beyond her celebration—she even told White she didn't need luck before the fight, displaying the confidence and personality that made her TUF debut memorable.

Her only regret? She wished she'd wagered more money, recognizing too late that her dominance and Cormier's apparent lack of concern about the bet suggested an easier victory than anticipated. Regardless, Canuto's performance earned her advancement to the TUF 34 semifinals and demonstrated the kind of striking prowess her confidence suggested.