When it comes to the world of mixed martial arts, no country has made a bigger impact than Brazil. From the early days of jiu-jitsu and vale tudo competitions to the modern era of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Brazilian fighters have consistently been among the best in the world.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at the top Brazilian UFC fighters currently competing in the sport. We’ve ranked these fighters based on their wins, titles, and overall fighting style, so you can be sure that this list represents the best of the best.
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Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva, also known as “The Spider,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. Hailing from Sao Paulo, Brazil, Silva had an incredible run in the UFC, holding the middleweight championship for a record-setting 2,457 days.
His striking and precision in the octagon were unparalleled, as he often made quick work of opponents with devastating knockouts. Some of his most notable fights include his victories over Rich Franklin, Vitor Belfort, and Chael Sonnen.
“Anderson Silva was such a unique fighter. He had this fluidity and grace in his striking that made it seem like he was dancing in the cage. He was truly a master of his craft.” – Joe Rogan
Although Silva’s career has slowed down in recent years, he remains a beloved figure in the MMA community and his legacy as one of the greatest Brazilian UFC fighters of all time is secure.
Junior dos Santos
Junior dos Santos, also known as “Cigano,” is one of the most dangerous strikers in the heavyweight division. Hailing from Caçador, Brazil, dos Santos has been a force in the UFC since 2008.
He captured the heavyweight title in 2011 with a knockout victory over Cain Velasquez, and successfully defended it against Frank Mir and Shane Carwin before losing it to Velasquez in a rematch.
Throughout his career, dos Santos has compiled an impressive record with wins over some of the biggest names in the sport such as Fabricio Werdum, Mark Hunt, and Stipe Miocic. He also has notable losses against current UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and former champion Alistair Overeem.
With his heavy hands and impressive footwork, dos Santos remains a fan favorite and a top contender in the heavyweight division.
Amanda Nunes
Amanda Nunes is one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history, regardless of gender. The Brazilian bantamweight and featherweight champion has an impressive record of 20 wins and only four losses, with 14 of those wins coming by way of knockout.
Nunes is known for her striking ability, as well as her well-rounded fighting style that includes solid grappling skills. She has defeated some of the toughest opponents in UFC history including Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, and Cris Cyborg.
Her most recent fight was in December 2019, where she defeated Germaine de Randamie by unanimous decision to retain her bantamweight title. Nunes is currently taking a break from fighting to start a family but is expected to return to the octagon in the near future.
Jose Aldo
Jose Aldo is widely considered one of the best featherweight fighters of all time. With an impressive record of 29 wins and 7 losses, Aldo has held titles in both the UFC and WEC promotions.
Aldo was born and raised in Manaus, Brazil, and began training in martial arts as a child. He made his professional MMA debut at the age of 17 and quickly gained a reputation as a dominant striker with lightning-fast kicks and punches.
After winning the WEC featherweight championship in 2009, Aldo was brought over to the UFC as the promotion’s inaugural featherweight champion. He defended his title multiple times and went on a 18-fight win streak, one of the longest in MMA history.
Aldo’s notable wins include victories over Chad Mendes, Frankie Edgar, and Urijah Faber. He has also faced off against the likes of Max Holloway and Conor McGregor in highly-publicized fights.
Aldo’s Fighting Style
Aldo is known for his technical striking, particularly his powerful leg kicks. He also has a strong takedown defense and is skilled in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
“I use my whole body and my whole mind to be the best fighter possible.”
Aldo’s Legacy
Aldo’s impressive career has solidified his place as one of Brazil’s greatest MMA fighters. He has inspired a new generation of Brazilian fighters to pursue their dreams and has left a lasting impact on the sport of MMA as a whole.
- Record: 29-7
- Notable Wins: Chad Mendes, Frankie Edgar, Urijah Faber
- Titles Held: UFC Featherweight Champion, WEC Featherweight Champion
Demian Maia
Demian Maia is a Brazilian mixed martial artist known for his exceptional grappling skills. He started his fighting career as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, and has since become one of the top contenders in the UFC.
Maia has a professional record of 28 wins and 10 losses, with notable victories over Jorge Masvidal, Carlos Condit, and Neil Magny. His fighting style is focused on taking his opponents to the ground, where he can use his grappling skills to dominate them.
Maia has been in the UFC since 2007 and has fought in both the middleweight and welterweight divisions. He has had two unsuccessful attempts at winning a UFC championship, but has been a top-ranked fighter in both divisions for years.
Demian Maia is considered one of the greatest Brazilian UFC fighters of all time, and his skills on the ground make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the octagon.
Renan Barao
Renan Barao is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who made a name for himself in the UFC bantamweight division. He started his career with a remarkable 32-fight unbeaten streak, with his only loss coming in his UFC debut.
Barao quickly became a fan favorite due to his explosive fighting style and his ability to finish fights. He won the interim bantamweight championship at UFC 149 by defeating former champion Urijah Faber. He was later promoted to the undisputed bantamweight champion after Dominick Cruz was stripped of his title.
| Opponent | Method of Victory | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urijah Faber | Unanimous Decision | UFC 149 | July 21, 2012 |
| Michael McDonald | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | UFC on Fuel TV: Barao vs. McDonald | February 16, 2013 |
| Eddie Wineland | TKO (spinning back kick and punches) | UFC 165 | September 21, 2013 |
“Renan Barao is one of the best fighters I’ve ever fought. I have a ton of respect for him. He’s a great guy, a great fighter. He’s got a lot of weapons, he’s got a lot of heart, and he’s tough as nails.” – Urijah Faber
Barao’s reign as champion came to an end when he was defeated by TJ Dillashaw at UFC 173. He would go on to lose his next four fights, leading to his release from the UFC in 2019.
Despite the end of his UFC career, Renan Barao will always be remembered as one of the best Brazilian fighters to ever step inside the Octagon.
Vitor Belfort
Vitor Belfort is one of the most well-known Brazilian fighters in UFC history. He began his career in the promotion at the young age of 19 and has since competed in the UFC for over two decades.
Belfort is known for his explosive striking, with a highlight reel of devastating knockouts to his name. He has also shown proficiency in submissions, with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
One of Belfort’s most notable achievements in the UFC was winning the light heavyweight championship in 2004. He has also had memorable fights against some of the biggest names in the sport, including Anderson Silva and Jon Jones.
Belfort’s Controversies
While Belfort’s career has been filled with many high points, he has also faced his fair share of controversies. In 2014, Belfort was granted a therapeutic use exemption for testosterone replacement therapy, which was later banned by the UFC. He was also suspended for nine months in 2018 for a failed drug test.
“I believe that everything in life happens for a reason and it’s part of our journey. So the important thing is to learn from it and keep moving forward,” Belfort said in response to these controversies.
Despite these setbacks, Belfort remains a respected figure in MMA and continues to inspire Brazilian fighters both in and outside of the UFC.
FAQ
Here are some commonly asked questions about Brazilian UFC fighters:
How many Brazilian fighters are currently in the UFC?
As of 2021, there are over 30 Brazilian fighters signed to the UFC roster, including some of the biggest names in the sport.
Who are the top up-and-coming Brazilian prospects to watch?
There are several talented Brazilian fighters making waves in the UFC, including Amanda Ribas, who has a record of 10-2 and is known for her well-rounded skillset, and Johnny Walker, a 6’6″ light heavyweight with knockout power.
Another fighter to watch is Jamahal Hill, a rising star in the light heavyweight division who recently defeated former UFC champion Ovince Saint Preux.
Other notable prospects include Vicente Luque, a welterweight with a record of 20-7-1, and Thiago Moises, a lightweight with a record of 15-4.
With a long history of producing top-tier fighters, there’s no doubt that Brazilian MMA will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the UFC.
