Beatriz Mesquita, widely regarded as one of the greatest female Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) athletes ever, is scheduled to make her UFC debut this October in Rio de Janeiro. This marks a significant career transition for Mesquita, who has dominated the BJJ world for years and is now aiming to establish herself in mixed martial arts.

A Renowned Career in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

BJJ has played a crucial role in the evolution of mixed martial arts, often considered the foundational skill set that shaped the sport. Among the most decorated practitioners, Mesquita stands out for her sustained excellence and influence. Her skill has earned her the informal title of ‘GWOAT’ — the greatest woman of all time within the BJJ community.

At 34 years old, Mesquita is venturing into MMA with a determination to build a reputable career despite being older than many of her MMA peers.

Upcoming Match Against Irina Alekseeva

According to a report by Léo Guimaraes, Mesquita has officially signed a contract to face Irina Alekseeva at UFC Rio on October 11.

“I was informed that Bia Mesquita signed a contract to face [Irina] Alekseeva on October 11, UFC Rio”

—Léo Guimaraes, Reporter

Alekseeva, who won her UFC debut via a kneebar submission, has since experienced two consecutive losses, making this upcoming fight critical for her career as well.

Mesquita’s MMA Record and Future Prospects

While widely celebrated for her BJJ achievements, Mesquita already holds an undefeated 5-0 record in mixed martial arts. Her decision to focus on MMA signals a clear intent to expand her legacy beyond grappling, leveraging her elite skills to compete at the highest levels of combat sports.

This upcoming UFC Rio event is likely to draw significant attention as Mesquita attempts to solidify her place in MMA, and her performance could influence whether she pursues a long-term career within the promotion.