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Top 10 Brazilian MMA Prospects to Follow in 2025
- Mark Myword
- Jan 5
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 6
Beatriz Mesquita
Brazil is the birthplace of modern MMA, a sport that has grown to global prominence thanks to the contributions of Brazilian fighters and their mastery of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Royce Gracie won the first UFC tournament at UFC 1 in 1993, demonstrating the effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in MMA. He went on to win three of the first four UFC tournaments, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in the sport. Anderson Silva holds the record for the longest title run in UFC history, further showcasing Brazil’s dominance in the sport. Vitor Belfort won the light heavyweight title by defeating Randy Couture via doctor stoppage, adding to Brazil’s legacy of champions. Rafael dos Anjos defeated former champions like Benson Henderson and Nate Diaz on his path to the UFC title, earning a title shot and further exemplifying the skill and determination of Brazilian fighters.
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 dedicated fan base for MMA further fuels the growth and success of these fighters. Brazilian fighter Deiveson Figueiredo is currently campaigning in the bantamweight division after previously being a flyweight champion. As a former flyweight champion, Figueiredo significantly impacted the division with his powerful striking and resilience. Brazil has two champions in the UFC: Alex Pereira and Alexandre Pantoja. Amanda Nunes has victories over MMA legends like Ronda Rousey and Cris Cyborg, cementing her status as one of the greatest fighters in the sport.
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. Charles Oliveira, another Brazilian standout, holds the record for the most finishes in UFC history at 20. Additionally, Demian Maia has the third most submission wins in UFC history, with a career resurgence in the welterweight division. Junior Dos Santos had the longest win streak in UFC heavyweight history with nine wins in a row. José Aldo defended his title nine consecutive times if including his WEC run. He also won the interim featherweight title against Frankie Edgar, showcasing his resilience and ongoing quest for the championship. Fabricio Werdum is known for defeating Fedor Emelianenko before winning the UFC heavyweight title, a feat that remains a highlight in MMA history. Brazil has produced many champions in major MMA promotions like the UFC, Bellator, and PFL, solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in the sport.
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 UFC’s investment in the Brazilian market has played a significant role in nurturing such talents. Alex Pereira made history by fast-tracking to win the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship after moving up in weight. Renan Barao had a 32-fight winning streak before losing to T.J. Dillashaw, a record that underscores the depth of talent in Brazilian MMA. Brazil has 24 fighters ranked in the UFC, Bellator, and PFL, highlighting the country’s continued prominence in the sport.
Murilo Bustamante was Brazil’s first UFC middleweight champion, significantly impacting Brazilian MMA history. Marcio Barbosa (16-2) has three first-round knockouts, showcasing his striking power and potential as a rising star.
Introduction to Brazilian MMA
Brazil has a storied legacy in mixed martial arts, serving as the birthplace of many of the sport’s most iconic figures. From the early days of Vale Tudo to the global phenomenon that is the UFC, Brazilian fighters have consistently been at the forefront. Legends like Anderson Silva, Jose Aldo, and Royce Gracie have not only dominated their respective eras but have also left an indelible mark on the sport’s history. Royce Gracie’s victories in the early UFC tournaments showcased the effectiveness of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a martial art that has since become a cornerstone of modern MMA. This article delves into the current landscape of Brazilian MMA, spotlighting the top fighters and emerging trends that continue to shape the sport.
The Current State of Brazilian MMA
Brazilian MMA is experiencing a golden era, with a plethora of top-tier fighters making waves in the UFC and other major promotions. The country boasts a robust pipeline of young talent, many of whom have honed their skills in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu scene before transitioning to mixed martial arts. Fighters like Charles Oliveira, Deiveson Figueiredo, and Paulo Costa have achieved remarkable success, with Oliveira and Figueiredo both capturing titles in their respective weight classes.
The popularity of MMA in Brazil has surged in recent years, bolstered by high-profile UFC events held in the country. UFC 301, for instance, was a landmark event featuring a host of Brazilian fighters and drawing a sold-out crowd. The event’s success underscores the passionate fan base and the country’s deep-rooted connection to the sport.
Brazilian MMA is renowned for its emphasis on martial arts and discipline. Many fighters come from a background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which prioritizes technique and strategy over sheer physical power. This approach has proven highly effective in the octagon, allowing Brazilian fighters to outmaneuver and outclass their opponents. As the sport continues to evolve, the influence of Brazilian jiu-jitsu remains a defining element, ensuring that Brazil will continue to be a powerhouse in the world of mixed martial arts.
The Top 10 Prospects of 2025: Future UFC Heavyweight Champion Contenders
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. Her transition to MMA has been marked by the integration of Muay Thai techniques, enhancing her striking capabilities.
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.
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.
Ricardo Martins (9-1) – On an eight-fight win streak, this welterweight talent delivers highlight-reel knockouts and first-round finishes.
Vitor Costa (8-1) – A two-division Jungle Fight champion, Costa has established dominance in both middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.
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.
Nicoly Pedrosa (6-0) – Undefeated with three LFA victories, Pedrosa, only 21, is a bantamweight prospect with an explosive style.
Marcio Barbosa (16-2) – This featherweight jiu-jitsu black belt has rebounded from setbacks with three first-round knockouts against tough opposition.
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.
Luis Aguiar (9-1) – The Pitbull Brothers flyweight champion claimed the Jungle Fight title with a stunning 37-second finish.
Brazil remains one of the top hubs for MMA worldwide, producing a steady stream of elite fighters. The country has hosted Vale Tudo fights, considered an early form of MMA, since the 1920s. Brazil is also recognized as the birthplace of modern mixed martial arts (MMA), with its fighters and techniques shaping the sport’s evolution. Murilo Bustamante was Brazil’s first UFC titleholder and defended his middleweight title successfully. Wanderlei Silva was a champion in Pride Fighting Championships before joining the UFC, further demonstrating Brazil’s influence on the global MMA stage. Cris Cyborg’s fight with Gina Carano was one of the first super-fights in women’s MMA, marking a pivotal moment in the sport’s history. The impact of women's MMA has been profound, with fighters like Amanda Nunes breaking barriers and achieving remarkable success, further shaping the landscape of the sport.
These fighters represent the future of Brazilian MMA, blending traditional grappling expertise with striking prowess to solidify their spots as rising stars. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a cornerstone of MMA, has influenced the training of numerous mixed martial artists globally, further cementing Brazil’s legacy in the sport. The UFC was co-founded by Rorion Gracie, who is a member of the Gracie family important to the history of BJJ. Demian Maia is noted for successfully integrating Brazilian jiu-jitsu with wrestling techniques in MMA, showcasing the adaptability of Brazilian fighters. Gleison Tibau holds the record for the most takedowns landed in UFC lightweight history, exemplifying the technical skill of Brazilian athletes.