Mayra Bueno Silva Bio
Mayra Bueno Silva (born August 22, 1991) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist competing in the women’s Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Since her professional debut in 2016, she has established herself as a skilled and formidable fighter within the sport.
Early Life and Background
Born in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Mayra Bueno Silva began her journey in martial arts in her home country. She later moved to Campinas and São Paulo, where she has trained since 2015. This relocation preceded her professional MMA debut and provided her with access to advanced training facilities and coaching.
Path to MMA
Bueno Silva started her professional MMA career in 2016, quickly making an impact on the regional Brazilian scene. After winning her first three fights and securing the Batalha MMA Bantamweight title, she earned an invitation to Dana White’s Contender Series Brazil 1. There, she impressed by submitting Mayana Souza dos Santos with a ninja choke in the first round, which secured her a contract with the UFC.
Mayra Bueno Silva Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Beginning her career in 2016, Bueno Silva fought primarily in Brazil, where she demonstrated her grappling prowess and submission skills. She captured the Batalha MMA Bantamweight title early on, which helped her gain recognition and a pathway to the UFC. During this period, she trained with Chute Boxe Diego Lima, honing her skills and preparing for higher-level competition.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2018–Present)
Mayra Bueno Silva made her UFC debut on September 22, 2018, against Gillian Robertson at UFC Fight Night 137, winning via first-round submission. She continued to showcase her submission abilities and resilience in the octagon. Notable fights include a Fight of the Night performance against Maryna Moroz in March 2020, despite losing by unanimous decision, and a series of submission victories that highlighted her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expertise.
In 2022 and 2023, Bueno Silva earned multiple Performance of the Night awards, including a kneebar submission win over Lina Länsberg and a ninja choke victory against former bantamweight champion Holly Holm. However, her bout with Holm was later overturned to a No Contest due to a doping violation involving Ritalinic acid, which she attributed to prescribed ADHD medication. She was suspended but became eligible to fight again in late 2023.
In 2024 and 2025, Bueno Silva continued competing at a high level, facing top contenders such as Raquel Pennington and Macy Chiasson. She fought for the vacant UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship at UFC 297 but lost by unanimous decision. Despite some setbacks, she remains a competitive presence in the division.
American Top Team Era (2021–Present)
Since 2021, Mayra Bueno Silva has been training with American Top Team, one of the premier MMA training camps. This move has supported her development and performance in the UFC, contributing to notable wins and competitive showings against elite opponents. Her partnership with the team has helped refine her striking and grappling strategies.
Driving Style and Strengths
Bueno Silva is recognized for her strong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, holding a brown belt in the discipline. She excels in submission grappling, often finishing fights with chokes and joint locks. Her fighting style combines technical ground work with effective striking, making her a versatile and dangerous opponent in the Bantamweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Bueno Silva’s career include her quick submission win on Dana White’s Contender Series Brazil, multiple Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses in the UFC, and her headline bout against Holly Holm. Despite the controversy surrounding her doping violation, she has maintained a reputation for resilience and skill.
Mayra Bueno Silva Career Wins
Mayra Bueno Silva has achieved a total of 10 professional wins, with a strong emphasis on submissions, which account for seven of her victories. She has also secured wins by decision and knockout, demonstrating a well-rounded skill set.
UFC Highlights
In the UFC, Bueno Silva has earned several notable wins, including first-round submissions against Gillian Robertson and Mara Romero Borella. Her recent victories over Lina Länsberg and Holly Holm showcased her submission prowess and earned her Performance of the Night honors. She has also been recognized for her exciting fights, receiving Fight of the Night awards.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Bueno Silva captured the Batalha MMA Bantamweight title in Brazil, winning her first three professional fights. Her early career success laid the foundation for her transition to the international stage.
Mayra Bueno Silva Family
Personal Life
Mayra Bueno Silva resides in São Paulo, Brazil. She is married to Gloria de Paula, a fellow UFC alum, whom she met in 2016. The couple’s relationship is publicly known and reflects a shared commitment to the sport of mixed martial arts.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Mayra Bueno Silva continued to compete actively in the UFC Bantamweight division. She faced Jacqueline Cavalcanti in November 2025 but lost by unanimous decision. Earlier in the year, she fought Jasmine Jasudavicius at flyweight and Raquel Pennington for the vacant Bantamweight title. Despite some losses, she remains a ranked competitor and a contender within the division. Her ongoing training with American Top Team and experience position her for potential future success in the sport.