Polyana Viana
When did Polyana Viana make her UFC debut? Has she been a champion at any promotion before?
Polyana Viana Mota, hailing from the heart of Brazil, is a fierce and dynamic mixed martial artist competing in the Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Emerging from the small town of São Geraldo do Araguaia, Viana’s journey into the world of MMA was rooted in her passion for Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which she embraced in 2013. It was during this time that she took her first steps into the professional mixed martial arts arena.
The UFC stage awaited Viana, and on February 3, 2018, she made her debut appearance at UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Anders. Her opponent, Maia Stevenson succumbed to a first-round rear-naked choke submission.
Her journey within the octagon has been a blend of highs and lows, a true testament to the tumultuous nature of the sport. Notably, her victory against Pamela Rosa, where she secured an armbar submission at Watch Out Combat Show 47, displayed her tactical finesse. The arena of UFC 258 witnessed another remarkable chapter in her career, as she dominated Mallory Martin with an armbar in the first round, earning the coveted Performance of the Night accolade.
The Brazilian MMA force also holds the distinction of being a former Jungle Fight Strawweight Champion. Her triumph in the Jungle Fight promotion showcased her prowess, as she defended her title with valor, adding another chapter of glory to her evolving legacy in the sport.
Beyond her feats in the cage, Viana’s courage and resourcefulness echo loudly. A real-life hero, she fearlessly thwarted a robbery attempt using a fake gun outside her apartment in January 2019, illustrating her indomitable spirit.
Polyana Viana has unveiled a surprising obstacle in her fighting journey. While gearing up for her return to the cage at UFC Vegas 78, Viana revealed her unfulfilled dreams of a cosplay-themed entrance, a creative expression she’s been fervently pursuing. Despite her repeated appeals to the UFC, Viana’s aspirations have faced roadblocks, leaving her both eager and disappointed.
At the UFC Vegas 78 media day, Viana disclosed her numerous attempts to bring her cosplay dreams to fruition, saying, “I’ve tried so many times…I’ve actually asked to come in with a bandana, they’ve never allowed. I wanted a cape, I can’t get it. I’ve tried with like a blank bandana, I can’t. Apparently, Naruto is a brand that doesn’t allow [it] or something like that.”
While the UFC has maintained its stance on fighter attire and expressions, Viana’s passion for cosplay remains steadfast. Her quest to blend her love for anime with her fighting persona reflects her determination to stand out in the octagon both as a fighter and an individual. As she readies herself for her upcoming clash against Iasmin Lucindo, Polyana Viana’s tenacity to break the mold showcases her as a true maverick in the world of mixed martial arts.
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