The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has officially signed Beatriz Mesquita, widely regarded as the greatest women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) grappler in history. She is scheduled to make her UFC debut against Irina Alekseeva at UFC Rio on October 11, 2025, at Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This news was first reported by Brazilian journalist Leo Guimaraes on July 30, 2025.
Mesquita’s Impressive Grappling Record and MMA Transition
At 34 years old, Mesquita carries a remarkable grappling résumé, including ten Gi International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Championships—a Guinness World Record—along with five IBJJF No-Gi World titles and an ADCC gold medal. Since fully committing to mixed martial arts, she holds a 5-0 record, featuring three submission wins, one knockout, and one victory by disqualification. Known for dubbing herself the “BJJ GWOAT,” Mesquita’s extensive accolades set high expectations for her UFC journey.
Livelihood and Challenges Facing Mesquita’s UFC Debut Opponent
Mesquita’s opponent, Irina Alekseeva, also known as the “Russian Ronda,” enters this fight with a 5-3 professional record and a two-fight losing streak. Alekseeva’s recent loss was a unanimous decision defeat to Klaudia Sygula, following a one-year UFC suspension due to a doping violation related to elevated testosterone levels. Inside the UFC Octagon, Alekseeva has a 1-2 record, making this matchup a pivotal opportunity for both fighters to change their trajectories.
Implications for UFC Rio and Future Prospects
This high-profile debut adds excitement to the UFC Rio card, spotlighting a decorated grappler’s transition into the sport’s biggest platform. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Mesquita’s elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills translate into dominance in the UFC, especially considering the mixed results from recent grappling standouts like Marcus Buchecha. The outcome of this fight could influence perceptions of grappling specialists stepping into MMA’s highest level.
“Fui informado que Bia Mesquita assinou contrato para enfrentar Alekseeva em 11 de outubro, UFC Rio” — Leo Guimaraes, Brazilian Journalist