Denise Pacheco Gomes Bio
Denise Pacheco Gomes is a Brazilian mixed martial artist competing in the women’s Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on December 30, 1999, she has established herself as a rising contender in the UFC, ranked #13 in the women’s strawweight rankings as of November 2025.
Early Life and Background
Denise Pacheco Gomes was born in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Details about her family background and early education are not widely publicized. She began training in mixed martial arts at a young age, which set the foundation for her professional career. Gomes later moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, where she currently resides and trains.
Path to MMA
Gomes started her professional MMA career in 2017, primarily competing in Brazil. She quickly gained attention with her performances, compiling a 4–1 record before signing with Invicta Fighting Championships. Her early success in regional circuits helped her transition to larger platforms and eventually to the UFC.
Denise Pacheco Gomes Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
Denise Gomes began her professional journey in 2017, fighting mainly in Brazilian promotions. During this period, she developed her skills and gained valuable experience, achieving a record that showcased her potential. Her performances caught the attention of international promotions, leading to her signing with Invicta FC.
Invicta FC Breakthrough (2022)
Gomes made a significant impact at Invicta FC 46 in March 2022, where she faced Milana Dudieva. She secured a third-round technical knockout victory with knees and punches, demonstrating her striking prowess. This win was a key milestone that propelled her career forward.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2022–Present)
Denise Gomes debuted in the UFC on September 17, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 210, stepping in as a replacement to face Loma Lookboonmee. Although she lost by unanimous decision, she quickly rebounded with notable wins. In April 2023, she defeated Bruna Brasil by technical knockout, followed by a first-round technical knockout victory over Yazmin Jauregui at UFC 290, earning her a Performance of the Night award. Gomes continued to build momentum with wins over Eduarda Moura, Karolina Kowalkiewicz, Elise Reed—earning another Performance of the Night—and Tecia Pennington. Her fighting style combines effective striking and resilience, making her a formidable competitor in the strawweight division.
Driving Style and Strengths
Denise Gomes is known for her aggressive striking and ability to finish fights with technical knockouts. She exhibits strong stand-up skills and maintains pressure on opponents, utilizing knees and punches effectively. Her resilience and tactical approach have contributed to her success in the UFC.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key moments in Gomes’s career include her Invicta FC technical knockout win over Milana Dudieva and her UFC Performance of the Night awards following victories against Yazmin Jauregui and Elise Reed. These achievements highlight her rising profile and impact within the women’s strawweight division.
Denise Pacheco Gomes Career Wins
Denise Gomes has amassed a professional MMA record of 12 wins and 3 losses. Her victories include 1 by knockout and 2 by decision, reflecting her ability to finish fights and compete strongly in full-length bouts.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Since joining the UFC in 2022, Gomes has secured multiple wins, including technical knockouts and unanimous decisions. Her first UFC win came against Bruna Brasil by technical knockout, followed by a notable first-round TKO over Yazmin Jauregui. She has demonstrated consistency and growth, positioning herself as a contender in the strawweight rankings.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to the UFC, Gomes compiled a solid record fighting in Brazil and Invicta FC, including a significant technical knockout victory over Milana Dudieva. These performances laid the groundwork for her advancement to the premier MMA organization.
Denise Pacheco Gomes Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Information about Denise Gomes’s family background and lineage is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Denise Gomes currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Details regarding her personal relationships or family life have not been disclosed publicly.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Denise Gomes has continued to build on her UFC success with key victories, including a unanimous decision win over Tecia Pennington in November. Her performances have solidified her position within the top 15 of the women’s strawweight division. Gomes’s partnership with her team, Paraná Vale Tudo, remains strong as she prepares for future challenges. Her momentum and skill set suggest a promising outlook for continued advancement in the rankings and potential title contention.