At 37 years old, Viviane Araújo may not have much tread left in the tyres for the UFC women’s flyweight division. She started her run under the UFC banner in 2019 and will step into the cage at UFC 309 with a 6-5 promotional record to show. So, it might be time to start looking at where she came from, so we know just how far she has come.

While her recent run inside the Octagon has not been smooth, she has still been popular among fans for having fought some of the toughest names in her division. Fans are curious about her background, ethnicity, and where this promising fighter calls home. Let us take a closer look at the details below.

What is Viviane Araujo’s ethnicity and nationality?

Viviane Araújo is proudly Brazilian, both by nationality and heritage. She is part of the Afro-Brazilian community, a significant demographic in Brazil with a rich history. Brazil’s Afro-Brazilian population is among the largest outside of Africa, shaped by a complex blend of African, Indigenous, and European ancestries. This multicultural influence is visible in Brazilian music, dance, cuisine, and martial arts. For Araújo, her Afro-Brazilian heritage is a point of pride, symbolizing resilience and strength. Her identity influences not only her approach to the sport but also her commitment to representing Brazil on the international stage.

Araújo’s rise in the UFC is a testament to her skill and perseverance. Known for her powerful striking and solid grappling, she combines her jiu-jitsu base with Muay Thai and wrestling, creating a versatile skill set that has made her a threat in the flyweight division. Since her UFC debut in 2019, she has faced some of the top competitors, including future champions, showcasing her ability to adapt and evolve with each fight. However, her journey to the top has not been an easy one. Just like most UFC stars, she had a very tough childhood, but she worked hard to reach the top spot. As she prepares for her fight at UFC 309, we take a look at the early life of the Brazilian star.

More about Viviane Araujo’s early life

Viviane Araújo was born on November 21, 1986, in Ceilndia, a satellite city within the Federal District of Brazil. Ceilndia, close to Brasília. The nation’s capital has a unique blend of urban and suburban influences, with a vibrant culture and resilient community. Growing up in Brazil, a country passionate about combat sports—home to iconic martial artists and champions—she was surrounded by a culture that admired strength, discipline, and skill. Though not immediately drawn to mixed martial arts, Araújo had a natural inclination toward physical activity and sports.

‘Vivi’ started playing soccer and spent much of her time away from home to forget about problems at home after witnessing her alcoholic father beating her mother on a daily basis. She started Brazilian jiu-jitsu and fell in love with the sport after an invitation from her jiu-jitsu coach. She later became a jiu-jitsu teacher and transitioned to mixed martial arts as she was tired of watching her father abuse her mother. Araújo uses the Octagon as the platform to voice her support to reach victims of domestic violence. 

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“The UFC is such a gigantic and powerful platform,” Araujo said in an interview with MMA Fighting. “To be able to say that there, carry that message to all women, was something I felt I had to do.” Can she get back to winning ways when she takes on Karine Silva at UFC 309? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.