Virna Carole Andrade Jandiroba Bio
Virna Carole Andrade Jandiroba is a Brazilian mixed martial artist competing in the women’s Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on May 30, 1988, in Serrinha, Bahia, Brazil, she is a former Invicta Fighting Championships Strawweight champion known for her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expertise. As of October 28, 2025, she is ranked #3 in the UFC women’s strawweight category.
Early Life and Background
Virna Jandiroba was born in Serrinha, Bahia, Brazil. She began training in martial arts as a child, starting with kung fu before transitioning to judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Her early exposure to these disciplines laid the foundation for her future career in mixed martial arts. Jandiroba earned a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and holds a green/white prajied in Muay Thai, showcasing her diverse martial arts background.
She currently resides in Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil, where she continues to train and develop her skills. Her early dedication to martial arts and her progression through various disciplines were critical in shaping her competitive edge in MMA.
Path to MMA
Jandiroba transitioned to mixed martial arts after achieving her black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She began her professional MMA career in 2013, primarily competing in Brazil. During this period, she built an undefeated record of 11–0, demonstrating her dominance and skill in the strawweight division. Her success in regional circuits earned her recognition and paved the way for opportunities on larger stages.
Her grappling skills and submission prowess caught the attention of international promotions, leading to her signing with Invicta Fighting Championships. This move marked a significant step in her career, allowing her to compete against higher-level competition and gain global exposure.
Virna Jandiroba Career
Early Career (2013–2017)
Virna Jandiroba began her professional MMA career in 2013, fighting mainly in Brazil. She quickly established herself as a formidable competitor with a strong submission game, amassing an undefeated record of 11 wins and no losses before joining Invicta Fighting Championships. Her early career was marked by consistent victories, primarily through submissions, showcasing her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expertise.
During these formative years, Jandiroba honed her skills and gained valuable experience that prepared her for competition at the international level. Her success in regional promotions set the stage for her debut in Invicta FC.
Invicta Fighting Championships Breakthrough (2017–2018)
Jandiroba made her Invicta FC debut on December 8, 2017, at Invicta FC 26, where she defeated Amy Montenegro via first-round armbar submission. This victory highlighted her submission skills and marked her arrival on the international MMA scene.
She was scheduled to fight for the Invicta strawweight championship in March 2018 but faced a last-minute opponent change. Jandiroba won the title by defeating Mizuki Inoue via split decision at Invicta FC 28. She successfully defended her title against Janaisa Morandin in September 2018, submitting her in the second round to retain the championship. These performances solidified her reputation as a top strawweight contender.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2019–Present)
Virna Jandiroba debuted in the UFC on April 27, 2019, replacing an injured fighter to face Carla Esparza. Although she lost by unanimous decision, the experience contributed to her growth as a competitor. She bounced back with several wins, including notable submission victories over Mallory Martin and Felice Herrig, the latter earning her a Performance of the Night award.
Throughout her UFC tenure, Jandiroba has faced top contenders such as Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas, demonstrating resilience and skill. She has recorded multiple wins by submission and decision, maintaining a strong presence in the strawweight division. Despite some losses, she continues to be ranked among the top fighters in her weight class and remains a serious title contender.
Driving Style and Strengths
Virna Jandiroba is renowned for her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt skills, which form the core of her fighting style. She excels in grappling and submissions, often controlling opponents on the ground and finishing fights with armbars and chokes. Her Muay Thai background adds striking versatility, while her strategic approach allows her to adapt to different opponents effectively. Her partnership with Team Velame Academia Fight House has been instrumental in refining her technique and fight strategy.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jandiroba’s career milestones include winning and defending the Invicta FC Strawweight Championship and earning multiple Performance of the Night awards in the UFC. Her submission victory over Felice Herrig at UFC 252 stands out as a signature moment. She has also competed for the vacant UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship in a rematch against Mackenzie Dern in October 2025. Her consistent ranking in the top tier of the division underscores her impact on women’s MMA.
Virna Jandiroba Career Wins
Virna Jandiroba has accumulated a total of 22 professional wins in mixed martial arts, with a strong emphasis on submission victories. Her record includes 14 wins by submission, 4 by decision, and 1 by knockout, reflecting her grappling dominance and well-rounded skill set.
Invicta Fighting Championships Highlights
Jandiroba’s Invicta FC tenure was marked by an undefeated run culminating in winning the strawweight title. Her first win in Invicta came via armbar submission against Amy Montenegro. She successfully defended her title once before moving to the UFC. Her Invicta performances established her as a top contender and showcased her submission prowess on an international stage.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
In the UFC, Jandiroba has secured multiple wins, including submissions over Mallory Martin and Felice Herrig, the latter earning her a Performance of the Night bonus. She has also won fights by unanimous decision against opponents like Angela Hill and Marina Rodriguez. Her most recent notable win came in July 2024 with a second-round armbar submission over Amanda Lemos, which also earned her a performance bonus. Jandiroba continues to be a significant presence in the strawweight division.
Virna Jandiroba Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Virna Jandiroba’s family background are not publicly documented. There is no verified information regarding any family involvement in martial arts or sports.
Personal Life
Virna Jandiroba maintains a private personal life with no publicly confirmed information about marital status or children. She focuses primarily on her professional career and training.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Virna Jandiroba remained an active competitor in the UFC women’s strawweight division, holding a ranking as high as #3. She faced Mackenzie Dern in a title fight for the vacant UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship in October 2025 but lost by unanimous decision. Earlier in the year, she secured a unanimous decision win over Yan Xiaonan, demonstrating her continued competitiveness at the elite level.
Jandiroba’s season was marked by resilience and high-level performances despite setbacks. Her team at Velame Academia Fight House continued to support her development, and she remains a key figure in the division with prospects for future title contention. Injuries and opponent changes affected some scheduled bouts, but she maintained momentum through consistent training and fight execution.