Bia Mesquita

What’s been the biggest difference in training for this fight? Overall, I’ve focused on adapting my jiu-jitsu world champion style to MMA — sharpening my striking, improving my ground-and-pound, adding effective wrestling, and putting everything together. The biggest difference has been mixing the arts and learning how to use my strengths in a complete fight. That hasn’t changed for this fight.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training jiu-jitsu when I was 5 years old in Brazil. Fighting has always been my life. I grew up on the mats, and after accomplishing everything I could in grappling, I wanted a new challenge in MMA.

What professional titles have you held?

- 10x IBJJF World Champion (record holder in the female division)

- ADCC World Champion

- Multiple-time Pan-American, European, Brazilian, and Abu Dhabi World Pro Champion

Any accomplishments in amateur combat sports? My career was built in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling at the highest level, winning titles all over the world. I didn’t compete in amateur MMA — my debut was already as a professional.

Any belts/ranks in grappling disciplines? 4th degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Any belts/ranks in striking disciplines? Currently developing my striking skills in Muay Thai and boxing.

What has been your toughest fight to date and why? Every world championship final in jiu-jitsu has tested me, but stepping into the cage for my MMA debut was a different level. It was all new, and I had to prove to myself that I belong here.

Who is your favorite fighter and why? My professor Leticia. She has inspired me throughout my career as an athlete, as a person, and as a coach. I am honored to keep learning from her all the way to the top.

Did you go to college and if so, what degree did you earn? Yes, I have a degree in Physical Education.

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked as a jiu-jitsu coach and competitor, traveling the world teaching seminars.

Origin of nickname: Most people call me “Bia,” short for Beatriz — it’s been with me since childhood and on the mats. Lady GOAT comes from my history in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I’ve won more world titles than any other woman in the sport, and after polls and recognition from the jiu-jitsu media, I was called the Greatest of All Time. When I transitioned to MMA, I kept the name as both a reminder of my legacy and a symbol of the new history I want to build.

Personal Life / Background (family stuff, kids, etc): I was born in Rio de Janeiro but moved to Saquarema when I was 9 years old, where I was raised and have most of my childhood memories. Family is everything to me — they’ve supported me since the beginning. My parents are my biggest fans and inspiration. I don’t have kids, but I have many students and teammates who feel like family.

What are your hobbies, activities or other interests when not training for a fight? I love being close to the ocean, traveling, and spending time with my family. I also enjoy studying spirituality and personal growth.

Please list any other information you think is relevant for our broadcasting team: I’m making the transition from being one of the most decorated grapplers in the world to chasing greatness in MMA. My style is aggressive, technical, and I bring the warrior spirit from Brazil every time I fight.