Natália Miranda Cristina da Silva (born February 3, 1997) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the women's Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where she is the current UFC Women's Flyweight Champion. She also fought on Jungle Fight, where she was the Women's Flyweight Champion. As of September 29, 2026, she is #4 in the UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings.
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Background
Natália Silva was born in Pingo-d'Água, a small town near Ipatinga, Brazil, and started her journey in martial arts at 16, initially through taekwondo in a voluntary social project. Her passion for competition grew, leading her to transition into MMA after a first fight invitation from friends at the age of 18. This shift allowed her to discover her true potential, connect with fellow fighters, and ultimately led her to the world of professional fighting. Her path eventually crossed with Jungle Fight, opening doors for her to pursue fighting as a career.
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Beginning her career mostly only knowing taekwondo, Silva struggled with her transition to MMA, losing a couple of her first bouts due to not knowing any grappling. In 2017 she lost to future UFC strawweight veteran Marina Rodriguez by unanimous decision. In the same year, Silva was invited by Carlos Borracha to fight for Jungle Fight, who generously offered her both a gym to train and a place to live. However, it wasn't until 2019 that Silva had her first shot at the flyweight belt in Jungle Fight.
Facing off against Gabi Marçal, Silva secured a victory in the opening round through a submission, executing a skillful strike and seamlessly transitioning into an arm lock on the ground.
Subsequently, the fighter from Minas Gerais had the task of defending her championship belt against Joice Mara. With mere seconds left in the fourth round, she clinched victory once again, employing an arm lock submission to secure the win.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Silva signed with the UFC in 2020, however her debut was delayed after suffering a broken arm and several complications and other injuries.
Silva made her debut with the promotion on June 18, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 37 against Jasmine Jasudavicius, defeating her via unanimous decision.
In her sophomore performance with the promotion, Silva faced Tereza Bledá on November 29, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 215, winning the bout via TKO stoppage due to a spinning back kick and ground and pound in the third round. With this win, Silva earned her first Performance of the Night bonus.
Silva faced Victoria Leonardo on May 20, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 223. She won the fight via technical knockout in round one.
Silva faced her first ranked opponent in Andrea Lee at UFC 292 on August 19, 2023. She won the fight by unanimous decision.
Silva, on her birthday, faced Viviane Araújo on February 3, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 235. She won the fight by unanimous decision.
Silva faced former UFC Women's Strawweight Champion Jéssica Andrade on September 7, 2024 at UFC Fight Night 242. She won the fight by unanimous decision. This fight earned her a Fight of the Night award.
Silva faced former flyweight champion Alexa Grasso at UFC 315 on May 10, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She won the fight by unanimous decision.
Replacing an injured Alexa Grasso, Silva faced former two-time UFC Women's Strawweight Champion Rose Namajunas on January 24, 2026 at UFC 324. She won the fight via unanimous decision. 13 out of 18 media outlets scored the bout for Namajunas.
Silva was scheduled to compete for the UFC Women's Flyweight Championship against champion Valentina Shevchenko on October 3, 2026 at UFC 332. However, Shevchenko withdrew due to injury, which led to her vacating the title and Silva being reassigned to face Wang Cong for the vacant championship. Silva won the championship by unanimous decision.
Championships and accomplishments
Mixed martial arts
Ultimate Fighting Championship
UFC Women's Flyweight Championship (One time, current)
Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Jéssica Andrade
Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Tereza Bledá
Tied (Valentina Shevchenko) for the longest win streak in UFC Women's Flyweight division history (9)
Tied (Katlyn Cerminara, Valentina Shevchenko & JJ Aldrich) for most decision wins in UFC Flyweight division history (9)
Tied (Taila Santos, Ariane da Silva, Alexa Grasso & Carli Judice) for most knockdowns landed in UFC Flyweight division history (3)
Tied (Maycee Barber & Katlyn Cerminara) for second most wins in UFC Women's Flyweight division history (9) (behind Valentina Shevchenko)
Fifth highest striking differential in UFC Women's Flyweight division history (2.06)
Highest takedown defense percentage in UFC Women's Flyweight division history (90.3%)
Holds wins over three former UFC champions — Jéssica Andrade, Alexa Grasso & Rose Namajunas
UFC.com Awards
2022: Ranked #7 Newcomer of the Year
Jungle Fight
Jungle Fight Women's Flyweight Championship (One time)