Setting the Stage for a New Chapter
Bia Mesquita, a name synonymous with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), has set her sights on a new arena: mixed martial arts (MMA). Mesquita, a 10-time IBJJF champion and an ADCC gold medalist, has already made history with the most gold medals won at the IBJJF World Championship. However, her ambitions extend far beyond the gi and the mats. In a remarkable transition, Mesquita has quickly made waves in MMA, compiling a perfect 3-0 record with three rear-naked chokes in just six months. Her next test comes this Thursday night at LFA 203, where she faces Hope Chase in a bantamweight (135 pounds) showdown at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
A Strategic Move to the Octagon
Mesquita’s transition to MMA is more than a mere shift; it is a calculated move to cement her legacy in a different but equally competitive sphere. The Brazilian grappler sees hermma career as a natural progression and a challenge she is more than ready to undertake. “I’ll be fighting in Vegas in a week that’s gigantic for the UFC,” Mesquita told MMA Fighting. “There’s UFC Invitational on Thursday, Power Slap on Friday, and UFC 313 at the T-Mobile Arena [Saturday], so I think that’s a huge opportunity for me. God willing, I’ll be able to show up there and do some network and more doors will open for me — and maybe already put a foot in the UFC and the contract comes. I’m ready to sign with the UFC as soon as they call me.” Mesquita’s confidence is contagious, and she is determined to make the most of the high-profile event to secure a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
The Path to the Top
If the UFC contract doesn’t come this week, Mesquita is prepared to stay active and build her record. “The boss will make the call and I’ll say, ‘Send me location,’” Mesquita laughed. “I’m ready for this. My goal is to make noise and make the difference. This is another step in that direction. No matter how long it takes, I truly believe I’ll sign with the UFC this year.” Mesquita’s strategy is clear: win and impress. She aims to add more notable victories to her MMA resume, perhaps even capturing the LFA bantamweight belt, to convince UFC matchmakers and Dana White that she is ready for the big stage. Her relentless drive and competitive spirit are the hallmarks of her approach to both BJJ and MMA.
Choosing the Right Weight Class
One of the key decisions Mesquita has made is to compete at 135 pounds instead of the lower 125 pounds. “I’m cutting more weight to enter a division, but do I really wanna be just another one there?” Mesquita said. “There’s 30 girls there, a ton of great fighters, meanwhile 135 is like… Sure, the top 10 is stacked, but the path is shorter. I’ll be stronger at 135, more fit to fight. It’s already a war to make weight for 135, imagine at 125. … I believe I’ll easily be in the top 10 [of the UFC] in one or two years, fighting at the top. That’s another good thing about this division.” Mesquita’s decision to compete at a weight where she retains her physical advantages and where the competition is more manageable is a smart move that could propel her to the upper echelons of the sport.
The Power of Training Partnerships
Mesquita’s transition to MMA has been significantly aided by her training environment at American Top Team (ATT) in Florida. Here, she trains alongside top talent, including Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a two-time Professional Fighters League (PFL) champion. “Kayla is a phenom,” Mesquita said. “We help each other a lot. If Kayla puts you against the cage or clinch, the takedown is coming. It’s surreal. Her judo is so, so, so good. And that’s exactly how I feel about my ground game. The level is different. I know I’ll get to the submission when I take someone down. And that’s great because we help each other so much in practice. It’s priceless to be surrounded by people like that. There’s no other destiny but to be champion because everybody is on the same vibe, the same discipline, the same energy. It makes the process so much easier.”
Evolving as an Athlete and a Fighter
Mesquita’s journey to MMA has been a transformative one. She moved to ATT and, in her own words, “became a white belt again” in the new sport. The experience of getting punched in the face during sparring reignited the competitive fire that had been somewhat dulled in the BJJ circuit. “My jiu-jitsu today isn’t the same of when I won the ADCC in 2017. A lot has changed,” Mesquita said. “And the fight starts on the feet and I need to take someone down in order to use my jiu-jitsu. Did I avoid getting punched and took someone down? Good. I can’t waste opportunities. I’m comfortable on the ground, but the wrestling I’m training now is completely different than the one I trained for jiu-jitsu. Now I train to position myself for jiu-jitsu with ground and pound, punching to create space to advance position and submit. It’s all completely different.” Mesquita’s commitment to evolving her skills and adapting to the demands of MMA is evident, and she is determined to bring her BJJ prowess to the octagon while also developing her striking and wrestling.
Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
The transition to MMA has not only tested Mesquita’s physical capabilities but has also provided valuable lessons about the mental and emotional aspects of the sport. “In jiu-jitsu, you lose a match, there’s another one next week. And another big tournament next month,” Mesquita said. “I feel that memory is shorter in jiu-jitsu. You lose the Pans? You can win the Mundial two months later and no one will remember that. It’s not the same in MMA. The [loss] will stay in your record. I feel that every time I fight I’m getting one step closer to my goal, which is to compete with the world’s best and become champion. I’m not here to be another one.” Mesquita’s understanding of the stakes in MMA has only fueled her determination. She sees the bantamweight division as an opportunity to make her mark and rise to the top, driven by her background, know-how, and experience. With her competitive spirit and the support of her training team, Mesquita is poised to make a significant impact in the world of MMA and achieve her dream of becoming a champion.
