Introduction
Beatriz Mesquita, affectionately known as Bia to those close to her, is one of the most inspiring figures in martial arts. Born on April 7, 1991, in Brazil, she embodies the strength and determination of an elite athlete and the essence of Brazilian fight culture. Dubbed the “Lady GOAT” – a nod to her status as the greatest of all time in jiu-jitsu – Bia Mesquita’s journey began on childhood training mats and has now reached the octagon of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). With an undefeated 6-0 professional MMA record and an unmatched legacy in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, her story is one of resilience, impeccable technique, and passion for the sport. In this article, we dive into the life of this warrior who, in October 2025, made a triumphant UFC debut, solidifying her status as one of the most exciting prospects in the women’s bantamweight division.
Childhood and First Steps in Jiu-Jitsu
Beatriz Mesquita’s journey began early, as many Brazilian success stories do. At five years old, in 1996, she stepped onto the tatami in a Rio de Janeiro gym. At the time, jiu-jitsu was just a playful activity for an energetic girl, but it soon became something greater. Alongside jiu-jitsu, Bia practiced judo, wrestling, and swimming, activities that shaped her athletic body and competitive mindset from a young age.
By ten, her efforts were bearing fruit. She won the Brazilian Junior Championship, three state titles, and several major tournaments. Her precocious talent caught the eye of renowned coaches. Bia was invited to train with jiu-jitsu legend Letícia Ribeiro at the Tijuca academy in Rio. Letícia, one of the greatest black belts in history, saw potential in the young student and took her under her wing as a spiritual heir. “Training with Letícia was like finding a second family,” Bia often says in interviews. Under her guidance, Bia learned not only techniques but also the discipline and humility that would define her career.
Those early years were foundational. Bia competed in youth categories, racking up victories that put her on the radar of federations. She balanced intense training with school, a common routine for young Brazilian athletes with big dreams. By 15, she was a purple belt, winning international tournaments. Her dedication was unwavering: she woke at 5 a.m. to run on Copacabana Beach and returned to the gym at night, exhausted but driven. This solid jiu-jitsu foundation prepared her for the challenges ahead, transforming a curious child into a relentless competitor.
Rise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu-jitsu wasn’t just a sport for Beatriz; it was her identity. At 18, she earned her black belt, a milestone few achieve so young. Under the Gracie lineage – from Royler Gracie to Helio Gracie, via Vini Aieta and Letícia Ribeiro – Bia carried the weight of a century-old tradition. But she wasn’t content to be just another practitioner. Her competitive career exploded in the following years, with achievements that placed her among the greatest in the sport.
Between 2009 and 2021, Bia amassed 24 black-belt titles in the four major gi championships: IBJJF Worlds, Pan-Americans, Europeans, and Brazilians. The highlight? Ten gold medals at the IBJJF Worlds, an absolute record for women in the black-belt division. In 2013, she won the ADCC, the most prestigious no-gi grappling tournament, proving her technique transcended gi rules. “The ADCC was the ultimate test. There’s no escape there,” she reflected years later.
Her training sessions were legendary. Bia traveled the world, competing in Abu Dhabi, Los Angeles, and São Paulo, facing the best on the planet. In 2015, she defended her world title three years in a row, a feat that earned her the “Lady GOAT” moniker. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Injuries, like a broken arm in 2017, tested her resilience. “Jiu-jitsu taught me to fall and rise stronger,” she says. Her technical approach was unique: a blend of fluid open guard, swift transitions, and precise submissions, with her signature rear-naked choke.
In 2021, Bia reached the fourth degree of her black belt, an honor reserved for the most dedicated. She became an ambassador for the sport, teaching seminars and inspiring a new generation of girls in Brazil. Her impact went beyond medals: Bia helped popularize women’s jiu-jitsu, proving the tatami has no gender. At 30, with an enviable résumé, she began dreaming bigger – of MMA.
Transition to MMA: A New Chapter
In 2023, at 32, Beatriz Mesquita took a bold step: transitioning to mixed martial arts. Jiu-jitsu had made her immortal, but the octagon beckoned. “I wanted to test my skills in a complete environment, with punches, kicks, and takedowns,” she explained in a UFC website interview. The transition wasn’t easy. Used to pure grappling, Bia had to master striking and the pressure of the cage.
She moved to Coconut Creek, Florida, to train at American Top Team (ATT), one of the world’s most respected gyms. There, she shared the mat with names like Kayla Harrison, her training partner and mentor. “Kayla showed me how to adapt jiu-jitsu to MMA. She’s an inspiration,” Bia says. The training was grueling: sparring with tough strikers, striking defense drills, and hours-long conditioning sessions. Bia invested in muay thai and wrestling to complement her base, turning weaknesses into strengths.
Her professional MMA debut came in June 2023, at a regional event in the U.S. Against an experienced opponent, Bia secured a rear-naked choke submission in under three minutes in the first round. It was a statement: the “Lady GOAT’s” jiu-jitsu worked in the octagon. “I felt adrenaline mixed with the technique I love,” she described post-fight. That victory fueled her drive, and a string of undefeated wins soon caught the eye of bigger promoters.
Professional MMA Career: Unstoppable Victories
Bia’s MMA record is short but impressive. With just six fights by October 2025, she remains 100% undefeated, with four submissions – three by rear-naked choke. Her approach is surgical: she uses wrestling to take down, ground and pound to wear out, and jiu-jitsu to finish. Here are the highlights.
Debut and Early Regional Success
After her 2023 debut, Bia fought in smaller Florida events, racking up quick wins. In September 2023, she faced an American striker and won by second-round TKO, showing striking improvement. In December, she secured another submission via armlock, proving versatility. These fights prepared her for the big leap: the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA), a top U.S. regional league.
In March 2025, at LFA 203, Bia faced Hope Chase, a grappling-savvy veteran. The fight was intense, but Chase committed a foul – an illegal upkick – in the second round, resulting in disqualification. Bia took the win but left with a superficial orbital cut. “I learned to stay calm in chaos,” she said. That fight elevated her profile, setting the stage for a title shot in June 2025.
LFA Title: Regional Glory
At LFA 211 on June 20, 2025, Bia fought for the vacant bantamweight title against Sierra Dinwoodie, a former champion. The fight was a masterclass in dominance. Bia took Dinwoodie down in the first round, passed her guard, and locked in a rear-naked choke at 4:32. At 34, with just five pro fights, she became LFA champion. “This belt is for Brazil and all the girls training jiu-jitsu,” Bia declared, hoisting the hardware. Her performance drew immediate UFC attention.
UFC Debut: Triumph at Home
The dream came true in July 2025 when Bia signed with the UFC. Her debut was set for October 11, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 261 in Rio de Janeiro – her hometown. Facing Irina Alekseeva, nicknamed “Russian Ronda,” a judo-based fighter on a two-fight UFC losing streak, Bia entered as the heavy favorite.
The event, dubbed UFC Rio, packed the arena with ecstatic Brazilian fans. Bia, carrying the weight of expectations, delivered. In the first round, she absorbed some strikes but took Alekseeva down, unleashing ground and pound that opened cuts on the Russian. In the second, her magic shone: fluid transitions led to a perfect rear-naked choke at 2:45. The crowd erupted. “Debuting at home with a submission is unforgettable. I feel all of Brazil’s support,” Bia beamed into the microphone.
This victory, her sixth straight, keeps her 6-0 in pro MMA. Analysts praise her rapid adaptation: in just 16 months, she’s gone from novice to regional champion to UFC star. On October 12, 2025, Bia woke up as headline news across Brazilian sports outlets, earning praise from icons like Anderson Silva and José Aldo.
Personal Life: Balance Off the Mat
Outside the cage, Beatriz is a balanced, passionate woman. In January 2021, she got engaged to Patrick Gaudio, another jiu-jitsu competitor, in a romantic Rio ceremony. “Patrick supports me in everything, from training to travel,” she says. The couple splits time between Florida and Brazil, dreaming of starting a family.
Bia is active on social media, sharing workouts, healthy recipes, and empowering messages. She supports social projects in Rio, like free jiu-jitsu gyms for girls in underserved communities. Her diet is strict – rice, beans, fruits, and lean proteins – and she practices yoga to keep her mind calm. “MMA taught me life is like a fight: you plan, but you adapt,” Bia philosophizes.
Legacy and Future: A Rising Star
Beatriz Mesquita’s legacy is vast. In jiu-jitsu, she’s untouchable: a record-holder for world titles and an ambassador for the sport. In MMA, her rise is meteoric – from novice to UFC threat in under two years. Her “Lady GOAT” mentality – humble yet confident – inspires athletes worldwide.
Looking ahead, Bia aims for the top of the bantamweight division. After defeating Alekseeva, she called for a ranked opponent in 2026, possibly Holly Holm or Irene Aldana. “I want the belt, but above all, to entertain the fans,” she says. With ATT and Brazil’s support, her path seems paved for greater glory.
In October 2025, Beatriz Mesquita is more than a fighter; she’s a symbol of perseverance. From a Rio girl to the UFC octagon, her story continues to unfold, one submission at a time. The fight world has never been more excited for what’s next.
