Karol Rosa Bio
Karol Rosa Cavedo, born December 30, 1994, is a Brazilian mixed martial artist competing in the women’s Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She has been a professional fighter since 2012 and is ranked #9 in the UFC women’s bantamweight rankings as of August 5, 2025.
Early Life and Background
Karol Rosa was born in Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brazil, where she currently resides. She began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 13, achieving multiple international competition victories in the discipline. Her early dedication to martial arts laid a strong foundation for her future career in mixed martial arts.
In addition to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Rosa earned a dark blue belt in Muay Thai, further diversifying her combat skills. She transitioned to mixed martial arts at 17, marking the beginning of her professional journey in the sport.
Path to MMA
Starting her professional MMA career in 2012, Karol Rosa initially competed in the Featherweight division. She fought for various regional Brazilian promotions, gaining experience and recognition. Notably, she contended for the Watch Out Combat Show Featherweight Championship against Larissa Pacheco, a two-time Professional Fighters League champion, though she lost by guillotine choke.
Her early career in regional circuits helped Rosa develop a competitive edge and prepared her for the transition to the international stage, eventually leading to her signing with the UFC.
Karol Rosa Career
Early Career (2012–2018)
During her early years, Rosa compiled an 11–3 record fighting primarily in Brazil. She competed mainly in the Featherweight division before moving down to Bantamweight in 2018. Her performances in regional promotions showcased her grappling and striking abilities, earning her a reputation as a well-rounded fighter.
Her time with Vitória Combat Club was instrumental in her development before she transitioned to Paraná Vale Tudo in 2017, where she continues to train.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2019–Present)
Karol Rosa made her UFC debut on August 31, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Zhang against Lara Procópio, winning a close split decision. Despite a knee injury delaying a scheduled fight with Julia Avila, Rosa returned to the octagon to face Vanessa Melo at UFC 251 in July 2020, winning by unanimous decision.
Rosa has faced notable opponents such as Bethe Correia, Sara McMann, and Lina Länsberg, achieving victories and setbacks that have shaped her UFC tenure. She moved briefly back to Featherweight in 2023, facing Norma Dumont and Yana Santos, recording a split decision win and a unanimous decision loss.
In late 2023, Rosa fought Irene Aldana at UFC 296 in a bout that earned Fight of the Night honors and set records for significant strikes and leg kicks landed in a women’s bantamweight fight. She continued her competitive streak in 2024 and 2025 with wins over Pannie Kianzad and Nora Cornolle and a loss to Ailín Pérez.
Paraná Vale Tudo Era (2017–Present)
Since joining Paraná Vale Tudo, Karol Rosa has refined her skills and strategy, contributing to her rise in the UFC rankings. Her training environment has supported her growth as a versatile fighter capable of competing at the highest level in the Bantamweight division.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Karol Rosa is known for her strong grappling background, holding a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, complemented by striking skills developed through Muay Thai training. Her endurance and ability to maintain a high output of strikes, particularly leg kicks, make her a formidable opponent on the feet and on the ground.
Notable Events and Milestones
Rosa’s fight against Irene Aldana at UFC 296 was a career highlight, setting a women’s bantamweight record for 349 significant strikes and breaking the record for most leg kicks landed in a single UFC bout with 95. This performance earned her and Aldana Fight of the Night honors.
Karol Rosa Career Wins
Karol Rosa has amassed a professional MMA record of 19 wins and 7 losses. Her victories include 4 wins by knockout, 2 by submission, and 5 by decision, demonstrating her versatility in finishing fights and going the distance.
UFC Highlights
Since her UFC debut in 2019, Rosa has secured multiple wins by unanimous and split decision, showcasing her tactical approach and resilience. Her notable wins include bouts against Vanessa Melo, Bethe Correia, Lina Länsberg, and Pannie Kianzad. Her fight performances have earned her recognition within the competitive Bantamweight division.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Rosa competed successfully in regional Brazilian promotions, building a strong foundation with an 11–3 record. She fought for the Watch Out Combat Show Featherweight Championship and gained valuable experience that propelled her to the international stage.
Karol Rosa Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Karol Rosa’s family background are not publicly available. Her focus has remained primarily on her athletic career in mixed martial arts.
Personal Life
Karol Rosa resides in Vila Velha, Brazil. Information about her marital status or children is not publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Karol Rosa has remained an active competitor in the UFC Bantamweight division. She secured a unanimous decision win over Nora Cornolle at UFC Fight Night 257 and faced a unanimous decision loss to Ailín Pérez at UFC 311. Her performances continue to demonstrate her competitiveness and skill at the elite level.
Rosa’s training with Paraná Vale Tudo and her black belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expertise contribute to her ongoing development. She remains a ranked contender with potential for further success in upcoming bouts.