Bia Mesquita, recognized by Guinness World Records for her unparalleled number of gold medals at the IBJJF World Championship, is now determined to make her mark in MMA. This ten-time IBJJF champion and ADCC gold medalist has swiftly transitioned to mixed martial arts, achieving a 3-0 record with three rear-naked choke finishes in just six months, establishing herself as a top prospect for the year.
Preparing to face Hope Chase in a bantamweight match at LFA 203 in Las Vegas, Mesquita aims to impress and secure a UFC contract with another victory.
“I’m fighting in Vegas during a massive week for the UFC,” Mesquita mentioned. “With UFC Invitational, Power Slap, and UFC 313 all happening, it’s a great chance for me. I hope to perform well, network, and get my foot in the UFC door. I’m ready to sign with the UFC whenever they call.”
If a UFC offer doesn’t come immediately, Mesquita plans to remain active, adding more wins and potentially an LFA bantamweight title to her resume, to convince Dana White and UFC matchmakers of her readiness.
“The boss will decide, and I’ll be ready,” Mesquita said with a laugh. “I’m aiming to make an impact. This fight is another step towards that. I truly believe I’ll sign with the UFC this year, no matter the timeline.”
Mesquita considered competing at 125 pounds in MMA but is concerned about the impact on her performance. As a high-level grappler, strength is crucial, and she worries that cutting extra weight might weaken her. She also notes that the women’s bantamweight division, while top-heavy, offers a quicker path to the top.
“Do I want to just be another fighter in a crowded division?” Mesquita questioned, regarding the 125-pound division. “The 135 division has a stacked top 10, but the route to the top seems faster. I’ll be stronger and fitter at 135. Making weight for 135 is already tough, imagine 125. … I believe I can easily reach the UFC top 10 within two years fighting at 135.”
Julianna Peña currently holds the UFC bantamweight title, and Kayla Harrison is likely next in line. Mesquita trains with Harrison daily in Florida at American Top Team, valuing the support from the Olympic and PFL champion.
“Kayla is incredible,” Mesquita praised. “We support each other greatly. Her judo is phenomenal. I feel the same way about my ground game. The level is different. I’m confident in getting submissions after takedowns. We push each other in training. Being surrounded by such dedicated people is invaluable. Championship is the only goal because everyone shares the same drive and energy, making the journey easier.”
Mesquita’s move to American Top Team was like “becoming a white belt again” in MMA. Getting hit in sparring reignited a passion she felt had faded in jiu-jitsu. She credits coach Marcos Parrumpa for her rapid MMA development, learning and evolving in all areas, including grappling itself.
“My jiu-jitsu now is different from when I won ADCC in 2017. It has evolved,” Mesquita explained. “Fights start standing, and I need takedowns to use my jiu-jitsu. Avoiding strikes and securing takedowns is key. My wrestling training for MMA is distinct from jiu-jitsu wrestling. Now, I focus on wrestling to set up ground and pound and create openings for submissions. It’s a completely new approach.”
“Maintaining my jiu-jitsu at the highest level is essential,” she continued. “It’s my foundation. I’ll never be a striker. My goal is to emulate Demian Maia – takedown, submit. I’m 33, so there’s no time to waste. We need to utilize my jiu-jitsu strengths.”
Mesquita considered transitioning to MMA sooner, but leaving jiu-jitsu after nearly 30 years was challenging. She tested the waters with grappling matches against MMA veterans like Miesha Tate and Jennifer Maia, realizing the difficulty of finding opponents willing to face her jiu-jitsu skills in MMA.
“As a fighter, you must fight,” Mesquita stated about opponent challenges. “To be a champion, you face whoever is presented. No picking and choosing. That’s how I built my jiu-jitsu career, and I’ll continue that in MMA. To be a great MMA champion like in jiu-jitsu, I must be ready for anyone.”
Her brief but intense MMA journey has provided Mesquita with valuable self-discovery and a different perspective on losses compared to jiu-jitsu. Undefeated in LFA, each MMA win feels distinct from her numerous jiu-jitsu victories.
“In jiu-jitsu, a loss is quickly followed by another match, another tournament,” Mesquita reflected. “Memories are shorter. Lose at Pans? Win Mundials in two months, and it’s forgotten. MMA is different. A loss stays on your record. Each fight feels like a step closer to my goal: competing with the best and becoming champion. I’m not here to be just another fighter.”
“The bantamweight division is still developing, with frequent title changes. I see a significant opportunity with my background and experience. I’ve been an athlete my whole life, and I’m here to make a big impact, become champion, and rank among the best.”
