Natália Silva (fighter)

Natália Silva (born February 3, 1997) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As of March 26, 2024, she is #8 in the UFC women's flyweight rankings.

Background
Natália Silva was born in Pingo-d'Água, a small town near Ipatinga, Brazil, and started her journey in martial arts at 16, initially through taekwondo in a voluntary social project. Her passion for competition grew, leading her to transition into MMA after a first fight invitation from friends at the age of 18. This shift allowed her to discover her true potential, connect with fellow fighters, and ultimately led her to the world of professional fighting. Her path eventually crossed with Jungle Fight, opening doors for her to pursue fighting as a career.

Early career
Beginning her career mostly only knowing taekwondo, Silva struggled with her transition to MMA, losing a couple of her first bouts due to not knowing any grappling. In 2017, Silva was invited by Carlos Borracha to fight for Jungle Fight, who generously offered her both a gym to train and a place to live. However, it wasn't until 2019 that Silva had her first shot at the flyweight belt in Jungle Fight.

Facing off against Gabi Marçal, Silva secured a victory in the opening round through a submission, executing a skillful strike and seamlessly transitioning into an arm lock on the ground.

Subsequently, the fighter from Minas Gerais had the task of defending her championship belt against Joice Mara. With mere seconds left in the fourth round, she clinched victory once again, employing an arm lock submission to secure the win.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Silva signed with the UFC in 2020, however her debut was delayed after suffering a broken arm and several complications and other injuries.

Silva made her debut with the promotion on June 18, 2022, at UFC on ESPN: Kattar vs. Emmett against Jasmine Jasudavicius, defeating her via unanimous decision.

In her sophomore performance with the promotion, Silva faced Tereza Bledá on November 29, 2022, at UFC Fight Night: Nzechukwu vs. Cuțelaba, winning the bout via TKO stoppage due to a spinning back kick and ground and pound in the third round. With this win, Silva earned her first Performance of the Night bonus.

Silva faced Victoria Leonardo on May 20, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 223. She won the fight via technical knockout in round one.

Silva faced her first ranked opponent in Andrea Lee at UFC 292 on August 19, 2023. She won the fight by unanimous decision.

Silva, on her birthday, faced Viviane Araújo on February 3, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 235. She won the fight by unanimous decision.

Silva is scheduled to face Jéssica Andrade on September 7, 2024 at UFC Fight Night 244.

Mixed martial arts

 * Ultimate Fighting Championship
 * Performance of the Night (One Time) vs. Tereza Bledá
 * Jungle Fight
 * Jungle Fight Women's Flyweight Championship (One Time)
 * One successful defence