Dayana Silva

Dayana Silva (born August 17, 1990) is a Brazilian female mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight division of Bellator MMA.

Background
Discovered in a Muay Thai social project at a public school in Rio, Dayana Silva became an MMA athlete almost by chance. After a successful debut in professional Muay Thai, she was invited at the last minute to face the already experienced Carina Damm, who at the time already had 15 MMA fights, in the renowned Bitetti Combat event, in 2009. Despite the defeat by TKO in the third round, she was sure the four-ounce glove would be her working tool from now on.

Silva was a clinical pathology technician, balancing work and training afterwards everyday, before quitting in 2015 to focus full time on MMA.

Early career
Going 7–3 on the Brazilian regional scene, with the other two losses besides her debut coming against future UFC fighters Juliana Lima and Jennifer Maia, Silva was invited to Dana White's Contender Series Brazil 3 on August 11, 2018, and faced Gisele Moreira. She lost the bout via split decision.

A year later after the loss, Silva faced Sidy Rocha at Shooto Brasil 95 for the vacant Shooto Brazil Bantamweight Championship. She won the bout and the title via unanimous decision.

On a month's notice, Silva competed in the one night Shooto Brasil Women's Lightweight Grand Prix on March 1, 2020, with the winner gaining a contract for the 2021 Professional Fighters League season. Silva started the event by facing Mariana Morais. In a tough fight, she lost by split decision.

At Shooto Brasil 100, Silva faced Tayná Lamounier, winning the bout via unanimous decision.

Bellator MMA
On March 10, 2021, it was announced Silva had signed a 3 bout contract with Bellator MMA.

Silva was initially expected to face former Bellator Women's Featherweight Champion Julia Budd at Bellator 256 on April 9, 2021. However, the fight was rescheduled and eventually took place on April 16, 2021, at Bellator 257. Silva lost the bout via split decision.

Silva faced Arlene Blencowe on July 16, 2021, at Bellator 262. She lost the bout via TKO in the third round.

Silva faced Janay Harding on April 23, 2022, at Bellator 279. She won the bout via unanimous decision.

Silva faced Leah McCourt on September 23, 2022, at Bellator 285. She lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Silva faced Katerina Shakalova on August 11, 2023, at Bellator 298. She lost the fight via split decision.

Championships and accomplishments

 * Shooto Brazil
 * Shooto Brazil Bantamweight Championship (One time)