Brazil has been a force to be reckoned with in mixed martial arts for a long time, producing some of the UFC’s biggest names. From legends like Anderson Silva and Royce Gracie to modern stars like Alex Pereira and Charles Oliveira, Brazilian UFC fighters have left their mark on the sport. But 2025 has been tough for the best of Brazil, especially in main events. Despite their legacy, Brazilian UFC fighters in 2025 have been hit with unexpected losses, so is their dominance fading?
In this post we’ll get into the struggles of Brazilian UFC fighters in 2025, we’ll break down the performances and look ahead.
The Legacy of Brazilian UFC Fighters
Brazil’s impact on MMA is undeniable. They brought Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the world and through pioneers like Royce Gracie they changed the sport. Over the years fighters like Anderson Silva, Jose Aldo and Amanda Nunes have cemented Brazil’s reputation as a talent factory. In 2025 Brazil has 24 ranked fighters across the UFC, Bellator and PFL, with champions like Alex Pereira and Alexandre Pantoja. But recent main events have raised concerns among fans and analysts.
Why Brazilian Fighters Matter in 2025
- Historical Dominance: Brazil has produced champions in all weight classes, from Murilo Bustamante, the first UFC middleweight champion, to Amanda Nunes, the only female UFC champ-champ.
- Cultural Impact: Brazilian fighters bring a mix of technique and fan friendly styles, from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai.
- Current Representation: With fighters like Charles Oliveira, Deiveson Figueiredo and Diego Lopes, Brazil is still a big player in the UFC, even with the recent struggles.
The 2025 Main Event Slump: What’s Happening?
According to recent reports Brazilian UFC fighters are 0-9 in main events in 2025. That’s a big drop from their historical success. This includes high profile losses from top stars like Alex Pereira, Charles Oliveira and Renato Moicano. Let’s get into some of the main reasons for this.
Key Losses in 2025
- Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev: Alex Pereira, the former UFC light heavyweight and middleweight champion, was almost unbeatable after 3 title defenses in 2024. But in his first title defense of 2025, Pereira lost to Magomed Ankalaev, a grappling specialist from Dagestan. Pereira’s striking was neutralized by Ankalaev’s ground game.
- Charles Oliveira vs. Ilia Topuria: Charles Oliveira, a former lightweight champion with 20 UFC finishes, got knocked out in the 1st round by Ilia Topuria. This was a big shocker given Oliveira’s reputation for being durable and a submission expert.
- Renato Moicano vs. Islam Makhachev: Moicano got a title shot against Islam Makhachev after Arman Tsarukyan withdrew. Despite the hype, Makhachev’s grappling was too much and he submitted Moicano easily. Brazil’s main event struggles continue.
- Other Notable Losses: Diego Lopes, Gilbert Burns, Carlos Prates and Deiveson Figueiredo also lost in 2025 and added to the narrative of Brazil’s decline in big fights.
Analyzing the Causes
Several factors may explain why Brazilian UFC fighters in 2025 struggling for main events:
- Dagestani Grapplers: Dagestani fighters like Magomed Ankalaev and Islam Makhachev are killing it with their wrestling heavy style which is a problem for Brazilian strikers and jiu-jitsu guys. X says Dagestani fighters are 13-1 against Brazilians so they have the style advantage.
- Aging Stars: Many of Brazil’s top guys like Charles Oliveira (35) and Gilbert Burns (39) are in their 30s so they are past their physical prime.
- Tougher Competition: The UFC talent pool is getting deeper with fighters from Ireland, Russia and the US.
- Strategic Mismatches: Recent fights show Brazilian fighters are struggling against guys who exploit their weaknesses, like Pereira’s grappling or Oliveira’s susceptibility to big strikers like Topuria.
Fighter Stats: A Closer Look at Alex Pereira and Charles Oliveira
To understand the struggles of Brazilian UFC fighters in 2025, let’s examine the careers and recent performances of two of Brazil’s biggest stars: Alex Pereira and Charles Oliveira.
Alex Pereira: The Kickboxing King
Poatan is a former 2 division UFC champion and the only male Brazilian fighter to achieve this. His journey from kickboxing to MMA is crazy, 12-3 MMA record and 33-7 kickboxing record. Below is his stats and 2025 performance.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alex Sandro Silva Pereira |
| Age | 38 (Born July 7, 1987) |
| Division | Light Heavyweight (Former Middleweight) |
| MMA Record | 12 wins, 3 losses (10 knockouts, 2 decisions, 1 submission loss) |
| Kickboxing Record | 33 wins, 7 losses (21 knockouts) |
| Notable Achievements | UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, UFC Middleweight Champion, Glory Kickboxing Champion |
| 2025 Performance | Lost to Magomed Ankalaev (title fight) |
| Strengths | Elite striking, devastating left hook, two-division UFC champion |
| Weaknesses | Grappling defense, vulnerability to submissions |
Pereira’s loss to Ankalaev in 2025 was a wake up call for fans who thought he was invincible. His striking is still unmatched, years of being a Glory kickboxing champion, but his grappling was exposed. Despite this loss he’s still #1 in the UFC light heavyweight division (as of March 11 2025) and #10 pound for pound.
Charles Oliveira: The Submission Specialist
Charles Oliveira, aka “Do Bronx”, is a former UFC lightweight champion with the most finishes (20) and post-fight bonuses (19) in UFC history. His 2025 loss to Ilia Topuria was a big one, but overall he’s still a beast.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charles Oliveira da Silva |
| Age | 35 (Born October 17, 1989) |
| Division | Lightweight |
| MMA Record | 34 wins, 10 losses (9 knockouts, 21 submissions, 4 decisions) |
| Notable Achievements | Former UFC Lightweight Champion, most UFC finishes (20), most bonuses (19) |
| 2025 Performance | Lost to Ilia Topuria (knockout) |
| Strengths | Elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, versatile striking, comeback ability |
| Weaknesses | Susceptible to knockouts, struggles against aggressive strikers |
Oliveira’s knockout loss to Topuria was unexpected given his toughness. As a 4th degree black belt in BJJ, Oliveira is a master on the ground but his striking defense has been a problem. He’s #4 in the lightweight division (as of July 29, 2025) so he’s still a top contender but he needs to bounce back big to get back on top.
The Broader Picture: Other Brazilian Fighters in 2025
While Pereira and Oliveira are the most prominent names, other Brazilian fighters have also faced challenges in 2025. Here’s a snapshot of their performances:
- Diego Lopes: A featherweight, Lopes was stopped by Alexander Volkanovski after a run of good wins.
- Gilbert Burns: A former welterweight title contender, Burns is on a 4 fight losing streak, his last loss was against Michael Morales in May 2025.
- Deiveson Figueiredo: The former flyweight champion, now at bantamweight, had a tough 2025, adding to Brazil’s main event problems.
- Renato Moicano: Despite being a fan favorite, Moicano was outclassed by Islam Makhachev in a title fight.
On the bright side, guys like Alexandre Pantoja, the current flyweight champion, and Amanda Lemos are still killing it and Brazil has some elite talent. And rising stars like Beatriz Mesquita and Aieza Bertolso are part of the new wave of Brazilian prospects.
What’s Next for Brazilian UFC Fighters?
Despite their 0-9 record in 2025, Brazilian fighters are still a big part of the UFC. The upcoming UFC 313 on March 8, 2025 in Las Vegas has 9 Brazilian fighters in 7 fights, so maybe things are turning around. Amanda Lemos and Bruno Silva are veterans and Jhonata Diniz is a prospect who can help Brazil get back on top.
Strategies for a Comeback
- Adjust to Grappling Heavy Opponents: Brazilian fighters need to improve their wrestling defense to counter the Dagestani grapplers. Training with high level wrestlers can help close the gap.
- Develop Young Talent: Pros like Beatriz Mesquita, a jiu-jitsu legend with 3 wins in 2025 and Vinicius Pires, an undefeated bantamweight, show Brazil’s pipeline is still strong.
- Use Experience: Veterans like Oliveira and Pereira have the skills and experience to come back. A focused training camp to work on their weaknesses can lead to success.
- Take Advantage of Home Support: The UFC is back in Rio de Janeiro on October 11, 2025 and fighters like Charles Oliveira who faces Rafael Fiziev can shine in front of a home crowd.
The Global MMA Landscape in 2025
Brazil’s struggles must be seen in the context of a changing MMA landscape. Dagestani fighters, led by Islam Makhachev and Magomed Ankalaev, are on top, with their grappling style challenging Brazil’s traditional strengths. Irish and American fighters (Conor McGregor) are fighting for the spotlight. UFC 313 could be the moment, with Brazil’s 9 fighters potentially changing the narrative of their 2025 struggles.
Brazilian UFC Fighters to Watch in 2025
- Alexandre Pantoja: The flyweight champion keeps defending his title with striking and grappling.
- Amanda Lemos: A strawweight contender, Lemos is ready for a title shot with her aggressive style.
- Jhonata Diniz: A rising heavyweight prospect, Diniz brings raw power and potential to the division.
- Natália Silva: A emerging flyweight star, Silva’s technical skills will make her a contender.
Conclusion: Can Brazil Get Back to the Top?
The 0-9 main event record is a harsh reality for Brazilian UFC fighters in 2025, but it’s not the whole story. Brazil’s legacy in MMA is built on resilience and fighters like Alex Pereira and Charles Oliveira have the tools to bounce back from their losses. With a new generation of prospects and upcoming events like UFC 313, Brazil is far from over. The question isn’t if Brazilian fighters will get back to glory-it’s when they will.
As fans we can support Brazil’s warriors by watching UFC 313 and cheering for them to come back. Comment below: Who’s your favorite Brazilian UFC fighter and how do you think they’ll do in 2025? Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for the latest MMA news and Brazilian UFC fighters 2025 updates!