Jacqueline Cavalcanti, inspired by Cris Cyborg, aims to make a significant impact in the bantamweight division at UFC Vegas 102 after overcoming challenges from her upbringing in Brazil and transitioning to MMA in Portugal, while navigating the complexities of her career and the politics of her weight class.
Jacqueline Cavalcanti is gearing up to make a splash in the bantamweight division. She’s set to face Julia Avila this Saturday at UFC Vegas 102. Much of her drive and inspiration comes from none other than the legendary Cris Cyborg.
Raised in the Saloá favela in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Cavalcanti was no stranger to martial arts from a young age. Her childhood was spent learning judo and capoeira. Life wasn’t easy; her mother worked as a maid, scraping by just enough to keep things afloat. In pursuit of better prospects, her mother moved to Portugal, eventually bringing Jacqueline over when she was 11.
The transition wasn’t smooth. Cavalcanti struggled with the Portuguese language initially, finding it “a bit traumatizing.” But she persevered, catching up academically while nurturing her passion for sports. Kickboxing and Muay Thai became her new loves, though they didn’t pay the bills. She took on jobs like waitressing and working at IKEA to support herself after turning 18.
Cavalcanti’s journey into MMA began unexpectedly. She wasn’t interested in mixed martial arts until Cris Cyborg, then UFC featherweight champion, encouraged her during a seminar in Portugal. “Wow, you’re good at this,” Cyborg had remarked, sparking a new direction for Cavalcanti.
Initially hesitant due to the lack of female fighters at local gyms, Cyborg’s encouragement pushed Cavalcanti to dive into MMA fully. She wrapped up her kickboxing career with a title win and shifted focus entirely to MMA, determined to reach the UFC.
Her hard work paid off quickly. After building a 4-1 record, she clinched the LFA bantamweight title and joined the UFC roster. Victories over Zarah Fairn and others followed, setting up a fight with Germaine de Randamie—until an unexpected retirement announcement changed plans.
Disappointed but resilient, Cavalcanti quickly rebounded. Julia Avila stepped in as a replacement opponent for UFC Vegas 102. Though Avila presents challenges, Cavalcanti sees her as less technical on the feet and aims for another victory.
Beyond individual fights, Cavalcanti has broader ambitions. She hopes to inspire others as Cyborg inspired her, especially in Portugal where female MMA athletes are rare. Balancing identities between Brazil and Portugal sometimes stirs online drama but doesn’t deter her mission.
Looking ahead, Cavalcanti eyes a top 10 opponent post-Avila bout but remains wary of division politics. With champions like Julianna Peña inactive and potential returns from Amanda Nunes or Kayla Harrison uncertain, staying active is key for her career trajectory.
At 27, she’s confident about having time on her side to eventually claim championship gold. For now, it’s all about seizing every opportunity that comes her way and building a connection with fans worldwide.