Brazil isn’t just famous for producing legendary UFC fighters — it’s also home to some of the best MMA gyms in the world. These gyms are where champions are made, where young fighters sharpen their skills, and where the spirit of Brazilian martial arts lives on.
If you’ve ever wondered where UFC fighters in Brazil train, this guide will walk you through the country’s top gyms and MMA training centers. From Rio de Janeiro to Curitiba, these places are more than just workout spaces — they’re the breeding grounds of UFC greatness.
Why Brazilian Gyms Are So Influential
Brazilian gyms are special because they combine:
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tradition – The art that changed MMA forever.
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Striking disciplines – Muay Thai, boxing, and even capoeira influences.
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Fighter culture – Training alongside UFC veterans inspires the next generation.
This mix has created gyms that consistently produce world-class fighters who dominate in the UFC.
1. Nova União (Rio de Janeiro)
When you talk about Brazilian MMA gyms, Nova União has to be at the top. Founded by André Pederneiras, this gym became world-famous for developing elite fighters in the lighter weight classes.
Notable Fighters:
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José Aldo – Former featherweight king.
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Renan Barão – Former bantamweight champion.
Nova União is known for its technical excellence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu paired with striking. It’s a gym that turns raw talent into polished champions.
2. Chute Boxe Academy (Curitiba)
If Nova União is about finesse, Chute Boxe Academy is about ferocity. Based in Curitiba, this gym gained fame in the early 2000s for producing aggressive strikers who took pride in pushing the pace.
Notable Fighters:
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Anderson Silva – UFC middleweight legend.
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Wanderlei Silva – The “Axe Murderer,” a fan favorite.
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Maurício “Shogun” Rua – Former UFC light heavyweight champion.
Chute Boxe fighters are known for their relentless Muay Thai style and fearless approach in the octagon. Even today, the gym continues to train a new generation of stars.
3. American Top Team (ATT) – Brazilian Roots
While American Top Team is based in Florida, USA, it was founded by Brazilian Dan Lambert and has deep Brazilian connections. Many top Brazilian fighters have trained there at some point in their careers.
Notable Fighters:
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Amanda Nunes – The greatest female fighter in UFC history.
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Thiago “Pitbull” Alves – Former welterweight contender.
ATT combines American training facilities with Brazilian fighting culture, making it one of the most respected MMA teams worldwide.
4. X-Gym (Rio de Janeiro)
Rio’s X-Gym became a household name during Anderson Silva’s legendary run. It focused on building fighters who excelled at blending striking and grappling — the true essence of MMA.
Notable Fighters:
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Anderson Silva (also trained here).
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Ronaldo “Jacaré” Souza – Grappling wizard and UFC veteran.
Though it’s not as prominent today, X-Gym was once the training home of some of Brazil’s most feared fighters.
5. Team Nogueira (Rio de Janeiro)
Founded by twin brothers Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira (“Big Nog”) and Antônio Rogério Nogueira (“Lil Nog”), Team Nogueira is one of Brazil’s most respected training facilities.
Notable Fighters:
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Big Nog & Lil Nog – Pride and UFC legends.
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Erick Silva – Former UFC welterweight.
Team Nogueira is known for its strong BJJ background, combined with boxing and wrestling. The gym has also become a hub for young fighters trying to break into the UFC.
6. Evolução Thai (Curitiba)
A newer but fast-rising gym, Evolução Thai has built a reputation as a striking powerhouse. With roots in Muay Thai, it has adapted to MMA and produced some exciting UFC fighters.
Notable Fighters:
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Renato Moicano – Lightweight contender.
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Michel Pereira – Known for his flashy, unpredictable style.
This gym represents the evolution of Brazil’s striking culture into modern MMA.
7. Pitbull Brothers (Natal, Rio Grande do Norte)
Run by the Freire brothers, Patrício and Patricky, this gym is famous in Bellator but has also influenced UFC fighters. Their aggressive fighting style and emphasis on knockout power make the gym one to watch.
Notable Fighters:
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Patrício “Pitbull” Freire – Multi-division Bellator champion.
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Patricky “Pitbull” Freire – Bellator lightweight champion.
While more connected to Bellator, the Pitbull Brothers’ influence in Brazilian MMA culture can’t be ignored.
8. Renovação Fight Team (RFT)
A lesser-known but respected gym, RFT has trained fighters who made it into both the UFC and Bellator. Their approach is very hands-on, focusing on conditioning and toughness as much as technique.
Notable Fighters:
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Luiz “Besouro” Firmino – Veteran lightweight.
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Francisco Trinaldo – Longtime UFC fighter.
It may not have the global fame of Nova União or Chute Boxe, but RFT remains a solid name in Brazil’s MMA landscape.
Why These Gyms Matter
These gyms aren’t just places to train — they’re cultural institutions. They represent:
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Brazil’s fighting heritage through BJJ and Muay Thai.
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Pathways to the UFC for local talent.
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Global influence on how MMA fighters are developed.
Without these gyms, Brazilian MMA wouldn’t have produced the legends that shaped the UFC.
Final Thoughts
From the disciplined technique of Nova União to the raw aggression of Chute Boxe, Brazil’s MMA gyms have left a permanent mark on UFC history. They continue to train fighters who carry the nation’s pride into the octagon.
For fans, visiting or learning about these gyms is like exploring the DNA of MMA itself. They are living, breathing reminders of why Brazil is considered the heart of mixed martial arts.
