When people talk about the UFC and the rise of mixed martial arts (MMA), one country always comes up first: Brazil. From the early days of the Octagon to today’s global superstars, Brazilian fighters have shaped the UFC like no other nation. They’ve brought not just legendary names, but also a unique fighting style—Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)—that forever changed how MMA is fought.
In this post, we’ll take a walk through history, starting with Royce Gracie’s groundbreaking fights in the 1990s, moving through dominant champions like Anderson Silva and José Aldo, and ending with the new wave of Brazilian talent making noise in 2025.
The Early Days: Royce Gracie and the Birth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in UFC
The UFC began in 1993 as a no-holds-barred tournament to see which martial art was truly the best. While fans expected big wrestlers, boxers, or karate masters to dominate, it was Royce Gracie, a relatively skinny Brazilian fighter, who shocked the world.
Using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Royce submitted larger, stronger opponents with ease. He won UFC 1, UFC 2, and UFC 4, proving that technique could beat size and strength. His success didn’t just make him a legend—it put BJJ on the global map and forced every fighter to learn grappling if they wanted to survive in the cage.
Without Royce Gracie, the UFC might never have become what it is today.
The Pride Era and Brazilian Takeover
After Royce opened the door, a flood of Brazilian fighters entered the UFC and other promotions like Pride FC. By the early 2000s, Brazilians weren’t just competing—they were dominating.
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Wanderlei Silva earned the nickname “The Axe Murderer” for his aggressive style.
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Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (“Big Nog”) became a fan favorite with his resilience and submission skills.
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Vitor Belfort, nicknamed “The Phenom,” wowed crowds with his lightning-fast hands.
Even though many of these legends first rose to fame in Japan’s Pride FC, their transition to the UFC cemented Brazil as a powerhouse nation in MMA.
Anderson Silva: The Spider’s Legendary Reign
If Royce Gracie built the foundation, Anderson Silva built the empire.
Silva made his UFC debut in 2006 and quickly became middleweight champion. What followed was one of the longest and most dominant title reigns in UFC history. He defended his belt 10 times, holding the record for the longest winning streak (16 fights) in the UFC for years.
Known for his smooth striking, perfect timing, and highlight-reel knockouts, Silva wasn’t just a champion—he was an artist. His front kick knockout of Vitor Belfort is still replayed as one of the most iconic UFC finishes ever.
José Aldo: King of Rio
While Anderson Silva was dominating the middleweight division, José Aldo was building his legacy at featherweight.
Aldo became the first UFC Featherweight Champion after the WEC merged with the UFC in 2010. For nearly a decade, he was unbeaten, defending his title against some of the best fighters in the world. His explosive leg kicks and relentless pace earned him the nickname “The King of Rio.”
Even after losing his title to Conor McGregor in 2015, Aldo remained a top contender and respected veteran. His career symbolized Brazilian pride and resilience.
Brazilian Women Enter the Octagon
Brazil didn’t just produce male legends—the women’s divisions also saw Brazilian dominance.
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Cris Cyborg was one of the scariest fighters in MMA history, known for her power and aggression.
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Amanda Nunes, nicknamed “The Lioness,” became the first woman to hold two UFC titles simultaneously (bantamweight and featherweight). She beat legends like Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, and Valentina Shevchenko, cementing her as arguably the greatest female fighter ever.
Nunes retired in 2023 as a two-division champion, leaving behind an unmatched legacy for future generations of Brazilian fighters.
The Next Generation: Charles Oliveira, Deiveson Figueiredo, and More
As Silva, Aldo, and Nunes stepped away, a new wave of Brazilian fighters rose to carry the torch.
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Charles Oliveira captured the lightweight belt in 2021, earning the UFC record for most submission wins. His journey from poverty in São Paulo to world champion became an inspiration for millions.
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Deiveson Figueiredo brought fireworks to the flyweight division, engaging in one of the UFC’s best rivalries with Brandon Moreno.
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Gilbert Burns and Alex Pereira (a former kickboxer who quickly became UFC middleweight champion in 2022) showed Brazil’s ability to keep producing world-class talent.
Even in 2025, Brazil remains one of the deepest talent pools in MMA.
The Brazilian Fighting Style: More Than Just Jiu-Jitsu
When most people think of Brazilian fighters, they think of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. And yes, it remains a cornerstone. But over the years, Brazil has given the UFC so much more:
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Muay Thai and aggressive striking (Anderson Silva, Edson Barboza)
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Pressure and cardio-heavy styles (José Aldo, Rafael dos Anjos)
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Well-rounded champions (Amanda Nunes, Charles Oliveira)
Brazilian fighters aren’t just grapplers—they’re complete MMA athletes who can finish fights anywhere.
UFC in Brazil: A Nation of Fans
Brazil isn’t just a place where fighters are made—it’s a country that lives and breathes MMA.
The UFC has hosted multiple sold-out events in cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Fortaleza. The crowd chants of “Uh vai morrer!” (“You’re going to die!”) are famous worldwide for creating an electric atmosphere.
For Brazilian fans, MMA is more than a sport—it’s a source of national pride. Watching a Brazilian fighter step into the Octagon feels like watching their own family member fight.
From Royce Gracie to Today: The Legacy Lives On
Looking back, the story of the UFC can’t be told without Brazil.
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Royce Gracie showed the world the power of BJJ.
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Anderson Silva and José Aldo built dynasties that inspired millions.
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Amanda Nunes redefined greatness in women’s MMA.
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And now, fighters like Charles Oliveira and Alex Pereira are carrying the flame forward.
Brazil’s influence on the UFC isn’t just history—it’s still happening right now. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that the next Brazilian superstar is always right around the corner.
Final Thoughts
The UFC may be a global sport today, but its roots run deep in Brazil. From Royce Gracie’s skinny frame choking out giants to Charles Oliveira’s flashy submissions in front of roaring crowds, Brazilian fighters have left an unforgettable mark.
For fans in Brazil, this isn’t just entertainment—it’s part of their culture, identity, and pride. And for the UFC, the story of Brazil is far from finished. The Octagon will always have a place for fighters from the land of Jiu-Jitsu.
