Natália Miranda Cristina da Silva Bio
Natália Miranda Cristina da Silva, born February 3, 1997, is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist competing in the women’s Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of October 21, 2025, she is ranked #2 in the UFC women’s flyweight rankings and #4 in the UFC women’s pound-for-pound rankings.
Early Life and Background
Natália Silva was born in Pingo-d’Água, a small town near Ipatinga in Minas Gerais, Brazil. She began her martial arts journey at age 16 through taekwondo, participating in a voluntary social project. This early exposure sparked her passion for competition and combat sports.
At 18, Silva transitioned into mixed martial arts after friends invited her to compete in her first fight. This shift allowed her to explore her full potential and connect with other fighters, setting the foundation for her professional career. Her involvement with Jungle Fight provided important opportunities to pursue fighting professionally.
Path to MMA
Initially trained primarily in taekwondo, Silva faced challenges adapting to MMA, particularly in grappling, which led to losses early in her career. In 2017, Carlos Borracha invited her to join Jungle Fight, offering her a gym to train and a place to live. This support was instrumental in her development as a fighter.
By 2019, Silva earned her first title shot at the Jungle Fight flyweight belt. She defeated Gabi Marçal by submission in the opening round, showcasing her evolving skills. Silva successfully defended her championship against Joice Mara, securing victory with an arm lock submission late in the fourth round.
Natália Silva Career
Early Career (2015–2019)
Silva began her professional MMA career in 2015, initially struggling with the transition from taekwondo to MMA due to limited grappling experience. Her early bouts included several losses as she adapted to the sport’s demands.
Her breakthrough came when she joined Jungle Fight in 2017, where she received dedicated training and support. By 2019, she captured the Jungle Fight flyweight title and defended it successfully, marking her emergence as a notable competitor in Brazilian MMA.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2020–Present)
Silva signed with the UFC in 2020, but her debut was delayed due to a broken arm and other injuries. She eventually debuted on June 18, 2022, at UFC on ESPN: Kattar vs. Emmett, defeating Jasmine Jasudavicius by unanimous decision.
She continued her UFC success with a TKO victory over Tereza Bledá in November 2022, earning her first Performance of the Night bonus. In 2023, Silva secured technical knockout wins against Victoria Leonardo and a unanimous decision win over ranked opponent Andrea Lee.
In 2024, Silva defeated Viviane Araújo and former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Jéssica Andrade, the latter earning her a Fight of the Night award. In May 2025, she won by unanimous decision against former flyweight champion Alexa Grasso at UFC 315 in Montreal.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Silva combines striking skills rooted in taekwondo with developing grappling techniques, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Her ability to transition between striking and submission holds has been a key strength. Training with Team Borracha has supported her strategic growth and adaptability inside the octagon.
Notable Events and Milestones
Silva’s UFC debut marked a significant milestone after overcoming injury setbacks. Her Performance of the Night bonus and Fight of the Night award highlight her exciting fighting style and competitive spirit. Her rise to #2 in the UFC women’s flyweight rankings reflects her rapid ascent in the sport.
Natália Silva Career Wins
Natália Silva has accumulated 19 professional wins out of 25 fights, including victories by knockout, submission, and decision. Her diverse finishing ability and consistent performance have established her as a top contender in the flyweight division.
UFC Highlights
Since her UFC debut in 2022, Silva has earned multiple wins, including notable stoppages and decision victories against ranked opponents. Her first UFC win was a unanimous decision, followed by a TKO via spinning back kick and ground and pound. She has also defeated former champions and secured performance bonuses.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Silva captured and defended the Jungle Fight flyweight title, demonstrating her championship caliber. Her early career featured a mix of submission and striking finishes, reflecting her evolving skill set.
Natália Silva Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Silva’s family background are limited, but she hails from Minas Gerais, Brazil. There is no public information indicating a family history in combat sports.
Personal Life
Silva resides in Ipatinga, Minas Gerais, Brazil. There is no publicly available information regarding her marital status or children.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Silva continued to build momentum with a unanimous decision victory over former flyweight champion Alexa Grasso at UFC 315. Her consistent performances have solidified her position as a leading contender in the division.
Training with Team Borracha, Silva has demonstrated improved strategy and adaptability, positioning her well for potential title opportunities. Her ranking and recent results suggest a promising outlook for the remainder of the 2025 season.