UFC debutant Bia Mesquita reveals challenges in adapting jiu-jitsu to MMA

Bia Mosque She holds the record for most jiu-jitsu titles and is an LFA champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @biamesquitajj

Jiu-jitsu legend and undefeated in five MMA fights, Bia Mosque will make her debut at the biggest MMA event in the world on the preliminary card of UFC Rio against the Russian Irina Alekseeva, this Saturday (11). Despite having won the LFA bantamweight belt in her last appearance, the fighter confessed to having faced challenges in adapting her skills in the gentle art to the reality of the octagon during the half day of the event this Wednesday (8).

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When asked about the matter by reporter Leonardo Guimarães, from SUPER FIGHTS, the Brazilian confessed that it was not so simple to adapt to the traumatic blows on the ground, such as punches and elbows, known in MMA as ground n' pound.

"My jiu-jitsu was very pressure- and position-based. So I ended up having to change that a bit to learn how to strike, create space to land punches and elbows. That was one of the biggest differences, but I didn't have much difficulty. I learn a lot every day and I believe that with every fight I fight, I'll show that in the octagon," said the fighter, who trains at American Top Team under the tutelage of Marcos Da Matta, known as Parrumpinha.

Bia Mosque alongside Marco Parrumpa (right), Leticia Ribeiro (left) and Macarrão dos Santos. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @biamesquitajj

Later, Bia also emphasized the importance of avoiding fighting from the bottom in ground positions. Although she possesses diverse technical skills in the guard, she acknowledged that this aspect may not be the most advantageous to use in MMA.

"I've been trying to change that competitive instinct from jiu-jitsu to MMA. Playing guard isn't as appealing to the referees and the public, but we've adapted our guard game to be more aggressive and able to impose an efficient game, even from the bottom. So it's a matter of adaptation, but of course, being on top is even better, and we just need to adapt to become increasingly versatile and impose my game in any situation," she concluded.