Damm began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu when he was 16 years old, and also competed in wrestling. He is a seven-time national champion in both sports as well as a world champion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Damm made his professional mixed martial arts debut in October 2004, losing via split decision to Luciano Azevedo. In the years following that loss, he went on an 8 fight win streak while fighting all over the world including Japan, Russia and South Korea.
Strikeforce
Damm made his United States MMA debut at against Gilbert Melendez for the Strikeforce Interim Lightweight Championship. Damm returned to the promotion in 2011, where he faced Justin Wilcox in the main event at Strikeforce Challengers: Wilcox vs. Damm. He lost the fight via doctor stoppage between the first and second round due to a cut.
In March 2012, Damm appeared as a fighter on . In the opening elimination fight, he defeated Fabrício Guerreiro by submission in round 2 to get into the TUF house. Damm was selected fourth by Vitor Belfort to be a part of Team Vitor. During the show, Damm often came to blows with Anistavio "Gasparzinho" Medeiros, as Gasparzinho's prankster attitude constantly annoyed the more serious Damm. In the quarterfinals, Damm was matched up against undefeated John Teixeira. After three closely contested rounds, Damm won via split decision.
Damm made his UFC debut at UFC 147 on June 23, 2012 where he faced his rival from the TUF, Gasparzinho. He won the fight via submission in the first round, earning a Submission of the Night bonus in the process. Damm fought Antonio Carvalho on November 17, 2012 at UFC 154. Damm lost a back and forth fight via split decision. Damm next fought Mizuto Hirota at on June 8, 2013. He won the back-and-forth fight via split decision. Damm was expected to face Hacran Dias at UFC Fight Night 29. However, the bout was scrapped just days prior to the event after Damm was sidelined due to a kidney stone attack. Damm moved back to Lightweight and faced Ivan Jorge on February 15, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 36. He won the fight via unanimous decision. Damm faced Rashid Magomedov on May 31, 2014 at He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Damm faced Al Iaquinta at UFC Fight Night 50 on September 5, 2014. Iaquinta defeated Damm via third-round TKO. Damm faced Evan Dunham on January 3, 2015 at UFC 182. He lost the fight by unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the promotion. Following his release, Damm posted this statement to social media. "I stopped, retired from MMA. I'm not training hard enough for quite some time. I go to my BJJ gym two or three times a week, when I can. I keep training but for my own pleasure. I'm enjoying my family. I spent a lot of time away from home and traveling, now I can watch my kids grow up. I think I'm gonna start doing business with my dad at his woodshop. This should be my future"
Personal life
Rodrigo's sister Carina Damm is also a mixed martial artist.
