In 2024, Brazilian MMA fighters have made significant impacts in major promotions worldwide, with numerous promising talents, including Felipe Lima and Alexia Thainara, emerging from the country, while seasoned athletes like Beatriz Mesquita and rising stars such as Aieza Bertolso continue to dominate local circuits.
Brazilian newcomers have made quite the splash in major MMA promotions worldwide in 2024. Yet, many more are eagerly awaiting their chance back home.
MMA Fighting’s annual Prospects to Watch lists have predicted the rise of several top fighters over the past decade. From UFC champions like Alexandre Pantoja and Deiveson Figueiredo to titleholders in the PFL, Bellator, and RIZIN, their track record is impressive.
Not just that, many athletes currently ranked among the best in the UFC were once on these lists. Names like Caio Borralho, Renato Moicano, Amanda Lemos, and others have graced the pages since 2014.
From the 2024 class, Felipe Lima has already secured two wins in the UFC. Meanwhile, Alexia Thainara earned a contract at Dana White’s Contender Series by defeating Rose Conceicao.
Others are shining locally with unbeaten records—Marcos Degli, Tiago Pereira, Elora Dana, and Michael Oliveira continue to impress. This year’s list sticks to athletes under 30 who haven’t yet competed for a major promotion.
Beatriz Mesquita (3-0), known as Bia, transitioned from a legendary jiu-jitsu career to MMA. She’s an exception to my “under 30” rule—because really, who wins seven IBJJF World Championships and an ADCC gold before hitting 30?
Aieza Bertolso (5-0) has been on fire since turning pro in 2023 under the LFA banner. The 23-year-old strawweight from Rio de Janeiro boasts an impressive amateur record too.
Vinicius Pires (10-1, 1 NC) hasn’t tasted defeat since his second bout in 2019. A black belt in jiu-jitsu, he’s been dominating fellow Brazilian prospects on the regional circuit.
Ricardo Martins (9-1) heads into 2025 with an eight-fight winning streak. His knack for first-round finishes has landed him twice on MMA Fighting’s Missed Fists series.
Vitor Costa (8-1) is a dual champion in Jungle Fight, excelling at both middleweight and light heavyweight. Only one loss mars his record—a debut match against future UFC fighter Cesar Almeida.
Rafael Nunes (5-0), aptly nicknamed “The Violent,” packs a punch with four knockouts to his name. His most recent Jungle Fight appearance was particularly tooth-rattling.
Nicoly Pedrosa (6-0) remains undefeated with four finishes. The bantamweight prospect closes out 2024 with a first-round TKO in Sao Paulo under the LFA banner.
Marcio Barbosa (16-2) added three first-round knockouts to his resume after a setback against Gabriel Santos. A black belt in jiu-jitsu and brown belt in luta livre, he’s on a roll.
Franciele Nascimento (5-2) paused her career for motherhood and COVID-19 but stayed active in jiu-jitsu. Now she’s set for an MMA return at Shooto Brasil this March.
Luis Aguiar (9-1), representing Pitbull Brothers, clinched the Jungle Fight championship with a swift finish last November. Keep an eye on this flyweight’s rapid ascent!