Brazil has always been a factory for MMA greatness. From Royce Gracie proving Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the early 1990s, to legends like Anderson Silva, José Aldo, and Amanda Nunes ruling their divisions, the UFC simply wouldn’t be the same without Brazilian fighters.
But here’s the exciting part: the story isn’t finished. A new generation of Brazilian talent is rising fast, and 2026 could be their breakthrough year. Whether you’re a hardcore MMA fan or just starting to follow the sport, these are the upcoming Brazilian UFC fighters you’ll want to keep an eye on.
1. Gabriel Bonfim – The Finisher
-
Division: Welterweight
-
Record (2025): Undefeated in the UFC with multiple first-round finishes
Nicknamed “Marretinha,” Gabriel Bonfim is already making waves. Known for his slick submissions and aggressive striking, he’s finished almost all his fights. With his relentless pace and confidence, Bonfim has the potential to break into the welterweight top 10 in 2026.
His ground game is pure Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu excellence, but what makes him dangerous is that he’s just as comfortable on the feet. Expect him to headline Fight Nights soon.
2. Ismael Bonfim – The Dynamic Striker
-
Division: Lightweight
-
Style: Explosive striking, knockout power
The Bonfim brothers are quickly becoming fan favorites. Ismael Bonfim is a highlight-reel striker with crisp boxing and knockout power that excites fans every time he fights. He’s aggressive but technical, and his style fits perfectly in the stacked lightweight division.
If he continues his momentum, 2026 could be the year Ismael cracks the rankings alongside his brother, setting up the Bonfims as a true family force in the UFC.
3. Caio Borralho – The Natural
-
Division: Middleweight
-
Nickname: “The Natural”
-
Strengths: Well-rounded, strategic fighter
Caio Borralho is one of the most promising Brazilian middleweights. Calm, intelligent, and well-rounded, he mixes striking, wrestling, and grappling seamlessly. While he’s not the flashiest fighter, his smart game plans and ability to control fights are setting him up for long-term success.
Think of Borralho as a dark horse. He might not get as much hype as Pereira or Adesanya types, but he has the skills to grind his way into contention.
4. Natalia Silva – The Future of Women’s Flyweight
-
Division: Women’s Flyweight
-
Record (2025): Rising contender, multiple UFC wins
Natalia Silva is quickly becoming one of Brazil’s brightest female prospects. She’s sharp on the feet, uses speed and movement well, and has shown flashes of finishing ability. With the women’s flyweight division always looking for fresh contenders, Silva has the chance to make 2026 her breakout year.
Brazilian women have a history of dominating the UFC—Cris Cyborg, Amanda Nunes, Jessica Andrade—and Silva might be the next in line.
5. Gabriel Braga – The PFL Star Eyeing UFC
-
Division: Featherweight
-
Background: PFL standout, BJJ base with striking power
Gabriel Braga made noise in the PFL but has long been linked with a UFC move. With his aggressive style and knockout power, he’s tailor-made for UFC’s featherweight division. If he makes the jump in 2026, expect Brazilian fans to rally behind him quickly.
6. Felipe dos Santos – The Prospect
-
Division: Flyweight
-
Age: Early 20s
Still very young, Felipe dos Santos has shown flashes of brilliance with his scrappy style and energy. He’s learning on the job against tough opponents, but by 2026 he could blossom into a serious contender. Brazilians love rooting for gritty underdogs, and Felipe fits that bill perfectly.
7. Luana Santos – Rising Star at Bantamweight
-
Division: Women’s Bantamweight
-
Strengths: Strong grappling, improving striking
With Amanda Nunes retired, Brazil is searching for its next female bantamweight star. Luana Santos might be that fighter. She’s young, hungry, and developing quickly. If she continues her growth, she could be a ranked fighter by the end of 2026.
8. Joanderson Brito – The Silent Contender
-
Division: Featherweight
-
Style: Powerful grappler with knockout ability
Joanderson Brito doesn’t always get the media spotlight, but hardcore fans know his potential. With strong wrestling and submission skills, plus dangerous ground-and-pound, Brito could sneak into title conversations if he stays active and racks up wins in 2026.
Why Brazil Keeps Producing UFC Stars
You might wonder: Why does Brazil always have a pipeline of UFC talent?
It comes down to three things:
-
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu culture – Kids grow up training BJJ as a way of life.
-
Strong MMA gyms – Camps like Chute Boxe, Nova União, and American Top Team in Brazil produce champions year after year.
-
Fighting spirit – For many Brazilians, MMA isn’t just a sport—it’s a way to represent their community and overcome hardship.
This mix of tradition, training, and passion ensures that even as legends retire, new names are always rising.
Final Thoughts
As we head into 2026, the UFC’s next wave of Brazilian fighters is ready to shine. From the explosive Bonfim brothers to the technical brilliance of Caio Borralho and the rising star power of Natalia Silva, Brazil’s fighting future looks just as bright as its storied past.
For fans, this means more highlight-reel knockouts, slick submissions, and unforgettable moments from the land that gave us Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. For the UFC, it means one thing: the Brazilian takeover isn’t ending anytime soon.
So keep your eyes on these names in 2026—they may just be the next champions holding gold in the Octagon.
