Top 10 Brazilian MMA Prospects to Follow in 2025

Beatriz Mesquita

Brazilian fighters have long been at the forefront of the global MMA scene, and 2024 was no exception. Rising talents have continued to showcase their skills across major promotions, with many more waiting for their chance to shine. This year’s list of prospects highlights athletes poised to make an impact in the sport’s biggest stages.

Brazil’s contribution to MMA includes champions across the UFC, PFL, Bellator, and RIZIN. Alexandre Pantoja, Deiveson Figueiredo, Larissa Pacheco, and Roberto Satoshi are just a few who have transitioned from “prospects to watch” to world champions. Meanwhile, standout fighters like Jailton Almeida and Amanda Lemos continue climbing.

From the 2024 prospects, Felipe Lima has already secured two UFC victories, and Alexia Thainara earned her contract with a stellar win on Dana White’s Contender Series. Regional fighters such as Marcos Degli and Michael Oliveira kept their undefeated streaks alive.

The Top 10 Prospects of 2025

1. Beatriz Mesquita (3-0) – A jiu-jitsu legend with seven IBJJF World titles and ADCC gold, Mesquita transitioned to MMA at 33. Training at the American Top Team, she scored three rear-naked choke victories, including one on the undercard of Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen’s boxing match.

2. Aieza Bertolso (5-0) – The 23-year-old strawweight boasts a near-perfect amateur record and five professional wins under LFA, combining submissions with ground-and-pound finishes.

3. Vinicius Pires (10-1, 1 NC) – This bantamweight jiu-jitsu black belt remains unbeaten since 2019, earning notable victories and stoppages on Brazil’s regional circuit.

4. Ricardo Martins (9-1) – On an eight-fight win streak, this welterweight talent delivers highlight-reel knockouts and first-round finishes.

5. Vitor Costa (8-1) – A two-division Jungle Fight champion, Costa has established dominance in both middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.

6. Rafael Nunes (5-0) – Known as “The Violent,” Nunes has knockout power that even claimed an opponent’s tooth in his most recent Jungle Fight win.

7. Nicoly Pedrosa (6-0) – Undefeated with three LFA victories, Pedrosa, only 21, is a bantamweight prospect with an explosive style.

8. Marcio Barbosa (16-2) – This featherweight jiu-jitsu black belt has rebounded from setbacks with three first-round knockouts against tough opposition.

9. Franciele Nascimento (5-2) – Returning to MMA after a hiatus, Nascimento brings her jiu-jitsu pedigree back to the cage with a Shooto Brasil fight in March.

10. Luis Aguiar (9-1) – The Pitbull Brothers flyweight champion claimed the Jungle Fight title with a stunning 37-second finish.

    
    

These fighters represent the future of Brazilian MMA, blending traditional grappling expertise with striking prowess to solidify their spots as rising stars.