Bruno Arruda da Silva Bio
Bruno Arruda da Silva, born July 13, 1989, is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist known for competing in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is a former M-1 Global Middleweight Champion and holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Silva has been active in professional MMA since 2010 and fights out of the Evolução Thai team.
Early Life and Background
Bruno Silva was born in Cajazeiras, Paraíba, Brazil. He began training in mixed martial arts in 2009, initially out of curiosity due to the limited fighting culture in his hometown. Shortly after starting training, Silva experienced the loss of his father, which motivated him to pursue fighting as a form of therapy and personal growth. His early exposure to MMA came in a region with minimal infrastructure for the sport, requiring him to balance training with other work commitments.
Path to MMA
Silva turned professional in 2010 and initially competed in the Brazilian regional circuit, where he compiled a record of 9–5. He sought greater opportunities by trying out for The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 in 2013, although he was eliminated early in the competition. After 2012, Silva dedicated himself fully to his athletic career, which led to a significant improvement in his performance and results. His persistence and development earned him a contract with Russian Cagefighting Championship and later M-1 Global, where he rose to prominence.
Bruno Silva Career
Early Career (2010–2012)
During his first professional years, Silva had a mixed record of 6 wins and 5 losses. Competing mainly in Brazil, he gained valuable experience despite the challenges of limited MMA infrastructure. His early career was marked by steady development and learning, laying the foundation for future success.
By 2012, Silva committed fully to MMA, which resulted in a notable turnaround. He began to string together wins and attract attention from larger promotions, setting the stage for his international career.
Russian Circuit Breakthrough (2018)
Silva made his debut in the Russian Cagefighting Championship in February 2018, winning by first-round knockout against Gennadiy Kovalev. This victory showcased his striking power and readiness for higher-level competition. Shortly afterward, he signed with M-1 Global, a prominent Russian MMA organization.
At M-1 Global, Silva defeated Alexander Shlemenko by first-round knockout in June 2018. This win earned him a title shot against Artem Frolov for the M-1 Global Middleweight Championship. Silva claimed the championship in November 2018 via fourth-round technical knockout, marking a career-defining achievement.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2019–Present)
In 2019, Silva signed with the UFC. His debut was delayed due to a USADA suspension related to a positive test for boldenone, which sidelined him until mid-2021. Silva made an impactful UFC debut in June 2021 with a first-round knockout of Wellington Turman.
He followed this with consecutive wins over Andrew Sanchez and Jordan Wright, earning Performance of the Night bonuses for both fights. Silva’s aggressive style and finishing ability quickly made him a fan favorite. However, subsequent bouts saw mixed results, including losses to Alex Pereira and Gerald Meerschaert.
Silva continued competing in the UFC with notable wins such as a first-round technical knockout over Brad Tavares in April 2023, which earned him his third Performance of the Night award. His recent fights include losses to Brendan Allen, Shara Magomedov, and Chris Weidman, the latter overturned to a technical unanimous decision due to eye poke fouls. Silva faced a six-month suspension in 2024 following a positive steroid test but remains an active competitor.
Driving Style and Strengths
Bruno Silva is known for his aggressive striking and finishing ability, with a balanced skill set that includes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he holds a black belt. His reach and power allow him to control the stand-up exchanges, while his submission skills provide versatility on the ground. Silva’s fighting style emphasizes pressure and endurance, often overwhelming opponents with relentless offense.
Notable Events and Milestones
Silva’s career highlights include winning the M-1 Global Middleweight Championship and earning multiple Performance of the Night bonuses in the UFC. His UFC debut knockout and subsequent finishes have been signature moments, establishing him as a dangerous contender in the Middleweight division. Despite setbacks, Silva’s resilience and ability to rebound have been defining features of his career.
Bruno Silva Career Wins
Bruno Silva has amassed a total of 23 professional wins across various MMA promotions, including the UFC and M-1 Global. His victories include 7 by submission, 1 by knockout, 4 by decision, and 1 by disqualification, reflecting a well-rounded and effective fighting approach.
M-1 Global Highlights
Silva’s tenure at M-1 Global was marked by significant success, culminating in capturing the Middleweight Championship. His first-round knockout of Alexander Shlemenko and the title-winning technical knockout over Artem Frolov stand out as career milestones. These performances elevated Silva’s profile and paved the way for his UFC contract.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to joining major international promotions, Silva built a solid record in the Brazilian regional circuit. His early career featured important wins that demonstrated his potential and helped him secure opportunities abroad. His ability to adapt and improve has been evident throughout his career trajectory.
Bruno Silva Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Bruno Silva’s family background beyond his early life in Cajazeiras are limited. His father’s passing shortly after Silva began training in MMA was a pivotal moment that influenced his dedication to the sport.
Personal Life
Bruno Silva is engaged and has a daughter. He balances his professional fighting career with family life, though he maintains a private personal profile outside the cage.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Bruno Silva continues to compete in the UFC Middleweight division. He faced Marc-André Barriault in May 2025, missing weight and subsequently losing the bout by knockout in the first round. Following this, Silva was removed from the UFC roster. His future plans in MMA remain to be seen as he navigates the next phase of his career.