Brazil has given the UFC more champions than almost any other country. From the early days of Royce Gracie to the modern dominance of Amanda Nunes and Charles Oliveira, Brazilian fighters have shaped the sport, inspired fans, and brought gold back to Rio, São Paulo, and beyond.
In this article, we’re ranking the Top 10 Brazilian UFC Champions of All Time. These aren’t just great fighters—they’re legends who carried the pride of Brazil into the Octagon.
1. Anderson Silva – The Spider ️
No list could start without Anderson Silva, widely regarded as one of the greatest UFC fighters ever.
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Division: Middleweight
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Title reign: 2006–2013
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Defenses: 10 (record at the time)
Silva’s striking was pure artistry. From his effortless counterpunches to his iconic front-kick knockout of Vitor Belfort, he made fighting look like poetry in motion. His 16-fight win streak stood untouched for years, and even after his title reign ended, he remained one of the sport’s most respected figures.
2. José Aldo – The King of Rio
Known as “The King of Rio”, José Aldo reigned supreme at featherweight for nearly a decade.
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Division: Featherweight
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Title reign: 2010–2015
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Defenses: 7
Aldo’s explosive leg kicks, speed, and toughness made him nearly unbeatable. He was the first UFC Featherweight Champion after the WEC merger, and his dominance turned him into a Brazilian national hero. Even after losing to Conor McGregor, Aldo remained a fan favorite until his retirement.
3. Amanda Nunes – The Lioness
If there’s one fighter who defined greatness in women’s MMA, it’s Amanda Nunes.
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Divisions: Bantamweight & Featherweight
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Title reigns: 2016–2023
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Defenses: 7 at bantamweight, 3 at featherweight
Nunes made history as the first woman to hold two UFC titles simultaneously. She defeated legends like Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, Valentina Shevchenko, and Holly Holm. By the time she retired in 2023, she was universally regarded as the GOAT of women’s MMA.
4. Royce Gracie – The Pioneer
The man who started it all. Royce Gracie may not have been a UFC champion in the modern sense, but he was the tournament winner who put Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on the map.
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Division: Openweight (early UFC tournaments)
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Title reigns: UFC 1, UFC 2, UFC 4 champion
Gracie showed the world that technique beats size. His success in the early 1990s forced every fighter to learn grappling, forever changing MMA. His legacy is unmatched.
5. Vitor Belfort – The Phenom ⚡
Explosive, dangerous, and unpredictable—Vitor Belfort was one of Brazil’s most exciting champions.
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Division: Light Heavyweight
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Title reign: 2004 (short-lived but historic)
Belfort debuted at just 19 years old, earning the nickname “The Phenom.” His blistering hand speed and knockout power made him a fan favorite. While his title reign was brief, his impact on the UFC was long-lasting.
6. Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira – Big Nog
A heavyweight legend, Antônio Rodrigo “Big Nog” Nogueira was beloved for his toughness and submission skills.
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Division: Heavyweight
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Title reign: Interim champion (2008)
Nogueira survived brutal beatings only to come back and win fights with slick submissions. His win over Tim Sylvia for the interim heavyweight title was a highlight of his UFC career. Even when outmatched, Big Nog’s heart made him unforgettable.
7. Lyoto Machida – The Dragon
Known for his unique karate style, Lyoto Machida became a UFC champion in 2009.
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Division: Light Heavyweight
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Title reign: 2009–2010
Machida’s elusive movement and counterstriking puzzled opponents. His knockout of Rashad Evans to win the title remains one of the most iconic moments in UFC light heavyweight history.
8. Rafael dos Anjos – RDA
A true workhorse, Rafael dos Anjos battled his way to the lightweight title in 2015.
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Division: Lightweight
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Title reign: 2015–2016
RDA beat Anthony Pettis to win the belt and defended it once against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. Though he lost his title to Eddie Alvarez, his run proved Brazil could still produce elite champions in the lighter weight classes.
9. Charles Oliveira – Do Bronx ✨
One of the most inspiring stories in UFC history belongs to Charles Oliveira.
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Division: Lightweight
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Title reign: 2021–2022
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Defenses: 1
Oliveira holds the UFC record for the most submission wins and transformed himself from an inconsistent prospect to a world champion. His victories over Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje solidified him as one of Brazil’s greatest.
10. Deiveson Figueiredo – The God of War ⚔️
Flyweights don’t always get the spotlight, but Deiveson Figueiredo made sure fans paid attention.
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Division: Flyweight
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Title reigns: 2020–2022
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Defenses: 3
Known for his aggression and knockout power, Figueiredo had one of the UFC’s best rivalries with Brandon Moreno. Their four-fight series kept the flyweight division alive and exciting.
Honorable Mentions
Brazil has had so many champions that narrowing it to 10 is tough. Others worth mentioning:
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Maurício “Shogun” Rua – Former light heavyweight champ and Pride legend.
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Cris Cyborg – Brief UFC reign but one of the most dominant women ever.
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Alex Pereira – Former middleweight champ with devastating kickboxing.
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Fabricio Werdum – Heavyweight champ who submitted Fedor (outside UFC) and later dethroned Cain Velasquez.
Final Thoughts
From Royce Gracie’s skinny frame shocking the world in 1993 to Amanda Nunes’ double-champ reign and Charles Oliveira’s inspiring rise, Brazil has produced some of the most important champions in UFC history.
These fighters didn’t just win belts—they changed the sport. They made Brazil the beating heart of MMA, and their legacy continues to inspire the next generation of fighters training in gyms across Rio, São Paulo, and Manaus.
Brazil’s champions have already written their history in the Octagon. But if we know anything about Brazilian MMA, it’s this: the story isn’t finished yet. The next great champion is always just one fight away.
