The UFC’s 13th visit to Rio is unfolding successfully, despite a few minor hiccups. Brazilian fans, famous for their fiery passion, pack the arena to cheer on their hometown heroes. After the first three preliminary bouts wrapped, the spotlight has now shifted to the fourth fight: the women’s bantamweight showdown between BJJ legend Bia Mesquita and ‘Russian Ronda’ Irina Alekseeva. Mesquita enters the cage on a five-fight winning streak, carrying the weight of fan expectations, while Alekseeva steps in as the heavy -600 underdog.

As anticipated, Bia Mesquita quickly seized control early, establishing top position over Irina Alekseeva. The Brazilian delivered a controversial 12-6 elbow strike, drawing blood from the Russian fighter and recalling fans of UFC legend Jon Jones from Jackson Wink MMA. However, Bia currently trains in Florida at American Top Team under head coach Mike Brown—the same camp that has forged stars like Arman Tsarukyan, Dustin Poirier, and Kayla Harrison.

The Brazilian dominates much of the first round, landing precise strikes that keep her opponent on the defensive. Then, by the second round, the 10-time world medalist executes a seamless transition, secures the back of her Russian counterpart, and submits her with a rear-naked choke, even earning accolades from UFC veteran and commentator Michael Bisping, who said: “one of the best to ever do it.” After the fight concludes, Bia Mesquita gives a heartfelt shout-out to her American Top Team, acknowledging the “thankful” pivotal role the camp has played in her career.

With her stunning ground game now on full display, fans across social media are recognizing Bia Mesquita as a serious future threat to reigning bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison.

Inside Bia Mesquita’s bond with fellow fighter Kayla Harrison

Bia Mesquita may be a newcomer to MMA fans with her perfect 6-0 record, but the Brazilian star arrives in the cage with a decorated legacy that spans more than a decade on the BJJ mats. She has conquered national competitions, earned an ADCC medal, claimed 10 gold medals at the World Championship, and holds the record for the most wins at the IBJJF World Championship at black belt level.

With 24 black belt titles across four major GI championships, Mesquita reached legendary status in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu before turning her sights to MMA. She began her journey in the LFA under the guidance of American Top Team, translating her mastery on the mats into the cage. In 2023, Mesquita officially joined ATT, training alongside champions such as Alexandre Pantoja and Kayla Harrison.

Recently speaking about the inspiration she draws from her fellow women’s bantamweight, despite competing in the same division, she said: “I think that girl became an aspiration after we started training together, mainly because she’s always striving for the best version of herself. Yeah, regardless of her being an Olympic champion, the PFL champion, the current FC champion, I see her every day in the gym, always dedicating herself right, so that, of course, becomes an inspiration… And ever since I joined, that we’ve had this partnership, this really cool exchange, she’s helping me, right, with all her experience, and I’m helping her in her ground games.”

What’s your take on Bia Mesquita’s future in the UFC? Even though she entered the octagon later than most at 34, the Brazilian’s decorated grappling career and relentless work ethic put her squarely on the path to a title shot. Fighters like Alex Pereira have proven that a late start doesn’t stop someone from reaching the summit of the sport.