Jacqueline dos Santos Cavalcanti Bio
Jacqueline dos Santos Cavalcanti is a Portuguese professional mixed martial artist competing in the women’s Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on August 29, 1997, she has established herself as a prominent fighter, ranked #10 in the UFC women’s bantamweight rankings as of November 11, 2025.
Early Life and Background
Jacqueline dos Santos Cavalcanti was born in Pirituba, São Paulo, Brazil, before establishing her residence in Almada, Portugal. Details about her early family background and education remain private, but her transition from Brazil to Portugal marked a significant step in her personal and professional life.
Path to MMA
Beginning her professional MMA career in 2018, Cavalcanti quickly made a name for herself in the Bantamweight division. She developed her skills and competitive edge through regional fights and gradually progressed to higher-profile bouts. Her early career was marked by decisive victories that showcased her striking power and tactical approach.
Jacqueline dos Santos Cavalcanti Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Cavalcanti debuted professionally on June 2, 2018, at Fight Company 5, where she secured a first-round TKO victory over Jackelin Casariego. Over the next few years, she built an impressive record, including a unanimous decision win against Nora Cornolle on July 10, 2021, at FFAC – FFA Challenge 2. These early successes established her as a rising talent in the MMA community.
Pre-UFC and LFA Championship (2021–2023)
In March 2022, Cavalcanti faced Martina Jindrová at PFL Challenger Series 3 but suffered a split decision loss, marking her only professional defeat. She rebounded by winning the vacant LFA Women’s Bantamweight Championship at LFA 157 against Melissa Croden via unanimous decision. This title win was a pivotal moment that propelled her into the UFC spotlight.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2023–Present)
Jacqueline Cavalcanti made her UFC debut on September 2, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 226, winning by unanimous decision against Zarah Fairn. She continued her winning streak with split decision victories over Josiane Nunes in August 2024 and Nora Cornolle in a rematch in September 2024. A scheduled bout against Germaine de Randamie in January 2025 was canceled due to de Randamie’s retirement. Cavalcanti then secured unanimous decision wins against Julia Avila in February 2025 and Mayra Bueno Silva in November 2025, solidifying her position in the division.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Cavalcanti is known for her striking ability, demonstrated by multiple wins via knockout early in her career. Her reach of 178 cm and height of 173 cm give her a physical advantage in the Bantamweight division. She employs a strategic approach, combining power and precision to control fights and outpoint opponents.
Notable Events and Milestones
Winning the LFA Women’s Bantamweight Championship was a defining milestone in Cavalcanti’s career. Her successful UFC debut and subsequent victories have marked her as a rising contender. Maintaining a professional record of 10 wins and only 1 loss underscores her consistency and skill.
Jacqueline dos Santos Cavalcanti Career Wins
Jacqueline Cavalcanti holds a professional MMA record of 10 wins and 1 loss. Her victories include 3 by knockout and 1 by decision, reflecting her striking prowess and competitive resilience.
UFC Highlights
Since joining the UFC in 2023, Cavalcanti has won all her fights, including notable wins over Zarah Fairn, Josiane Nunes, Nora Cornolle, Julia Avila, and Mayra Bueno Silva. These wins have contributed to her top-10 ranking in the women’s Bantamweight division.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Cavalcanti captured the LFA Women’s Bantamweight Championship and achieved multiple victories in regional promotions, showcasing her development and readiness for the highest level of competition.
Jacqueline dos Santos Cavalcanti Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Information about Cavalcanti’s family background and lineage is not publicly detailed.
Personal Life
Details about Cavalcanti’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Jacqueline Cavalcanti continued her ascent in the UFC Bantamweight division with key victories over Julia Avila and Mayra Bueno Silva, both by unanimous decision. These performances have demonstrated her growing skill set and adaptability against top-tier opponents. The cancellation of her scheduled bout with Germaine de Randamie due to retirement did not hinder her momentum. Cavalcanti’s partnership with the Reborn Fight Team has been instrumental in refining her strategy and conditioning, positioning her as a strong contender for future title opportunities.