BRAZILIAN PROSPECTS MMA FIGHTERS IN THE WOMEN'S BANTAMWEIGHT CATEGORY IN 2026

The women’s bantamweight division has historically been one of the most important and recognizable in MMA. It was the stage for some of the sport’s biggest stars, such as Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, and the greatest female fighter of all time, Amanda Nunes, who is set to return in January against multi-time champion Kayla Harrison. Despite currently being one of the shallowest active divisions in the UFC, bantamweight remains a category in which Brazil consistently produces high-level athletes and continues to be a major talent pool.

This overview, conducted in January 2026, highlights three Brazilian prospects selected based on the national rankings, while also considering age, professional record, and recent competitive relevance.

• Nicoly Pedroza, just 22 years old, is one of the most exciting young prospects in the division. Still undefeated as a professional, Nicolly has built much of her résumé competing in the LFA, an organization widely recognized as one of the main gateways to the UFC. She currently holds three victories in the promotion and was scheduled to fight for the title in November, but the bout was canceled and is expected to be rescheduled for early 2026. Of her six professional wins, three came by KO/TKO, one by submission, and two by decision, reflecting a well-rounded skill set and composure beyond her age. Nicolly’s youth, consistency, and experience in a high-level developmental league place her firmly among the top Brazilian bantamweight prospects.

• Emily Martins, at just 21 years old, already stands out as one of the most accomplished young fighters in the category. She is the current Cage Fury bantamweight champion and successfully completed her first title defense in December 2025. Standing 1.75 meters tall (5’9”), Emily brings rare physical attributes to the division and trains at the renowned American Top Team, one of the most prestigious MMA gyms in the world. With a 5–1 professional record, she has finished all five of her victories by submission, showcasing elite grappling and finishing instincts. Her rapid rise and consistent dominance have established her as a fighter with real relevance on the international stage.

• Cláudia Leite, 29 years old, represents the most experienced profile among the three. With a 9–3 professional record, Cláudia has already tested herself at the UFC level, competing on the Dana White’s Contender Series, where she suffered a split-decision loss. Since then, she has put together a strong run of performances, most recently competing in the highly competitive UAE Warriors promotion. Of her nine victories, three came by KO/TKO, two by submission, and four by decision, illustrating her versatility and adaptability. Given her recent momentum and international experience, Cláudia remains a realistic candidate for another opportunity with the UFC.

💬 Summary: Nicolly Pedrosa, Emily Martins, and Cláudia Leite represent three different stages of development within Brazilian women’s bantamweight MMA — youthful potential, elite early achievement, and seasoned international experience. In a division that remains shallow at the top level, Brazil continues to be a reliable source of talent capable of reshaping the landscape.

🗣️ Discussion: which of these bantamweights do you believe is closest to the UFC? Is there another Brazilian women’s bantamweight prospect who deserves to be mentioned?