With former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira headlining UFC Rio this Saturday, the Fight Night boasts an impressive lineup of Brazilian fighters. Most eyes will be on the main event: Oliveira vs. Mateusz Gamrot. However, one of the preliminary fights has also captured attention. Because it features one of Brazilian jiu-jitsu’s greatest exponents, ten-time IBJJF black-belt world champion and IBJJF Hall of Fame inductee, Beatriz ‘Bia’ Mesquita.

Making her UFC debut, the top-rated jiu-jitsu specialist will face Russia’s Irina Alekseeva. Beatriz Mesquita enters the bout 5-0 after her MMA debut last June. A win for Beatriz Mesquita, who previously claimed the vacant LFA (Legacy Fighting Alliance) bantamweight title, would reinforce the UFC’s confidence in her skills after the promotion signed her in July. Clearly, fans are eager to see her display world-class techniques. But some have also expressed curiosity about her personal life, it seems.

Bia Mesquita is engaged to BJJ legend Patrick Gaudio

Social media went ablaze when news arrived that Mesquita got engaged to another grappler, Patrick Gaudio, four years ago. Though the Instagram page is no longer available, a post-engagement message from Gaudio at the time read, “May God bless us and all our plans come true. We took another step of our love. I love you. Plans for more than 10 years and everything happening with a lot of intensity. Being happy and living away from any negativity.”

A black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Patrick Gaudio earned early recognition as one of the best of his generation. While a brown belt, he won the IBJJF World Championship and the UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro. After earning his black belt, his performances continued to establish him as one of the top competitors in the sport.

Are Bia Mesquita & Patrick Gaudio still together?

The answer to questions regarding their relationship appears somewhat complicated. Some outlets still reference Mesquita and Gaudio’s 2021 engagement. However, a brief look at social media posts suggests a different story. While Bia Mesquita’s recent posts don’t seem to feature him, Patrick Gaudio’s posts, on the other hand, show him spending time with another individual.

However, come fight night, fans will primarily be focused on Mesquita’s performance. Alekseeva presents a formidable challenge. Her five professional wins include three via TKO/submission and two by decision. With a judo background, she has earned the nickname Russian Rhonda. Though her recent bouts haven’t all gone in her favor, one shouldn’t forget her first-round kneebar victory over Bellator competitor Stephanie Edgar.

Beatriz Mesquita, a highly accomplished grappler, will face a skilled striker in her UFC debut. She must remain vigilant. A single lapse could make her debut difficult.

It was in 2023 that Mesquita joined the Florida-based American Top Team (ATT). Making her MMA debut in June 2024, she won her first bout via submission. Her next two LFA fights ended the same way. She kicked off 2025 with a win over Hope Chase, who was disqualified after an illegal kick. Two months later, Mesquita knocked out Sierra Dinwoodie in the second round of the LFA 211 headliner, making her way to the UFC shortly after.

Will Bia Mesquita force Irina Alekseeva into submission?