Tamires Vidal, a former bricklayer from Brazil earning just $10 to $20 a day, became a professional UFC fighter, winning a knockout victory against Ramona Pascual that earned her a $50,000 performance bonus, and subsequently was able to buy her own house.
Tamires Vidal, a professional bricklayer from Niteroi, Brazil, who also pursued MMA training in the hopes of fighting professionally, was making just $10-$20 a day. Her life took a dramatic turn when she got a call to fight Ramona Pascual in the UFC. It was this fight where Vidal landed a vicious knee blow to win by knockout in Las Vegas, earning her a $50,000 performance bonus. From working in the hot sun and training daily at the gym with only a pocket full of ambition, she declared, “Everything changed.” Vidal was always determined and confident that she would reach her goal one day.
Reflecting on her time as a construction worker, Vidal shared her satisfaction on finally being able to buy a house of her own, attributing her success to hard work, daily training, and the opportunity provided by UFC and divine intervention. Describing herself as a dreamer, she expressed her aspiration to own a luxurious house with a garden, pool, and enough space for family and friends, along with a car and motorcycle in her garage. Vidal was also elated about turning her dream into reality as she went from dreaming of owning a house as a bricklayer earning measly wages to actual homeownership.
Since her successful UFC debut, Vidal was convinced by her head coach to quit her job as a bricklayer in order to avoid injuries. She was shocked to know that she is now considered a “UFC fighter”. Vidal’s transition was so drastic that she was in shock during her first victory against Pascual, finding it hard to believe she had indeed won the fight. A turning point in her life came during her UFC debut when she scored a knockout, making everyone sit up and take notice of her. Looking forward, Vidal is excited about her fight with Montserrat Rendon at UFC Vegas 79, boldly asserting, “I belong at the top.” Despite Rendon’s undefeated professional record, Vidal believes she has the skillset to win by knockout or submission.
Rounding off her interview, Vidal expressed a sense of optimism about her future, stating that she has a lot to offer, and many more women to battle in her division. She reiterated about her love for fighting and her eagerness to get back to what she loves doing. Despite her success, she remains humble and deeply believes everything happens in good time, attributing her victories to her skill and divine timing.