Brazil has consistently delivered some of the most dynamic and influential fighters in UFC history, with its athletes renowned for their exceptional skill and fighting spirit.
While 2025 has presented its share of challenges for Brazilian competitors, all eyes are now focused on Charles Oliveira as he prepares to headline UFC Rio. This event marks a significant milestone, being the first time in over five years that the former UFC lightweight champion will top a card in his home country.
Set for October 11, this Octagon veteran aims to craft another unforgettable UFC moment in Brazil when he faces Mateusz Gamrot. As one of the roster`s most celebrated fighters gears up for his return, we explore where Oliveira stands among the all-time great Brazilian fighters in UFC history.
Honorable Mentions
Any discussion of Brazil`s greatest UFC fighters is bound to leave out many legends, primarily because much of their most significant work occurred outside the UFC`s confines. Iconic figures such as Royce Gracie and Vitor Belfort, despite their monumental careers that laid groundwork for subsequent generations, just missed this list due to its specific focus on UFC achievements.
5. Charles Oliveira
Charles Oliveira, the star headlining UFC Rio, earns the fifth spot for compelling reasons. His journey to the lightweight championship was particularly inspiring, overcoming numerous setbacks to achieve an impressive rise. At 35, Oliveira has consistently been one of the most entertaining fighters in the promotion`s history, holding the record for the most post-fight bonus wins. His remarkable longevity, captivating narrative, and multiple records firmly secure his position at number five.
4. Alex Pereira
Alex Pereira presents a unique case; his limited UFC tenure is both his greatest asset and a potential detractor. With only 12 UFC bouts and a planned return in June 2026, he may not add many more to that count. Yet, what `Poatan` has accomplished in just four years since entering the UFC with a mere 3-1 record is extraordinary. Within those 12 fights, he has secured championships in two divisions and defeated six former UFC titleholders—a truly phenomenal ascent. Chama.
3. Amanda Nunes
After a defeat to Cat Zingano in 2014, Amanda Nunes embarked on a dominant 12-fight winning streak, including nine title defenses, solidifying her claim as arguably the greatest female fighter in UFC history. `The Lioness` might have fought at featherweight against opponents where she was heavily favored, but she has also conquered every bantamweight titleholder except the current champion. Her two victories over Valentina Shevchenko and her stunning knockout of Cris Cyborg, which crowned her a simultaneous two-division champion, underscore her dominance. Nunes`s resilience and ability to rebound from defeat, vividly displayed in her masterful performance against Julianna Pena in their UFC 277 rematch, speaks volumes. With a potential return against current champion Kayla Harrison on the horizon, `The Lioness` may once again unleash her roar.
2. Jose Aldo
Jose Aldo, the UFC`s original featherweight monarch, often doesn`t receive the full acclaim his reign of dominance truly merits, particularly from newer fans. Undefeated for over a decade between 2005 and 2015, his exceptional longevity is undeniable, even if his later UFC career concluded without the same spectacular flair. Many consider him the greatest featherweight of all time, and on his best day, a compelling argument can be made for him being the best fighter in the world, or at least among the all-time greats. Beyond his storied title reign, Aldo`s ability to recover and rebuild his legacy after enduring one of MMA`s most famous losses further cements his status as the `King of Rio`.
1. Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva`s name is synonymous with unparalleled greatness, boasting records like the longest win streak in UFC history and the second most consecutive title defenses. While these extraordinary statistics alone secure his place on any MMA GOAT Mount Rushmore, `The Spider`s` influence stretched far beyond mere accolades. Silva introduced an unprecedented level of striking artistry to the Octagon, revolutionizing the sport. He began his iconic middleweight title reign in only his second UFC appearance. In his prime, he was undeniably the greatest middleweight of all time, a living “cheat code” who could make even fellow legends appear like novices in his presence.