Poliana Viana Mota, known in the mixed martial arts world as Poliana Viana “Vale Tudo,” is a Brazilian professional MMA fighter currently signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on June 16, 1992, in São Geraldo do Araguaia, Pará, Brazil, Viana began her professional MMA career in 2013. Before joining the UFC, Viana competed primarily in regional Brazilian promotions, compiling a record that showcased her grappling prowess and finishing ability. A significant portion of her victories came by way of submission, reflecting a strong foundation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This groundwork earned her a reputation as a formidable competitor and eventually led to her being signed by the UFC in 2018. Her UFC debut took place at UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Anders in Belem, Brazil, where she faced Maia Stevenson. Viana secured a victory via rear-naked choke in the first round, immediately making a statement about her skills and potential within the organization. However, her subsequent fights in the UFC have presented a mixed bag of results. While demonstrating flashes of her earlier dominance, she has also faced tough competition and experienced losses against seasoned opponents. Viana fights in the women’s strawweight division, a weight class known for its dynamic and competitive landscape. Her fighting style generally involves aggressive grappling, where she actively seeks takedowns and submission opportunities. While her striking game has evolved over time, her primary strength remains her ability to control opponents on the ground and capitalize on openings for submissions. Beyond her performances in the octagon, Poliana Viana gained notoriety for an incident of self-defense that occurred in 2019. While waiting for an Uber in Rio de Janeiro, she was reportedly approached by a man who threatened her with a cardboard gun and demanded her phone. Viana, drawing upon her MMA training, quickly subdued the assailant, delivering punches and a kick before detaining him until police arrived. This incident garnered significant media attention and reinforced her image as a strong and capable individual both inside and outside the cage. While her UFC record might not fully reflect her initial promise, Poliana Viana continues to be a relevant and intriguing figure in women’s MMA. Her grappling skills, combined with her undeniable resilience and the “Vale Tudo” spirit – a Portuguese phrase translating to “anything goes,” indicative of the early days of MMA – make her a compelling fighter to watch. She consistently seeks opportunities to improve her game and remains a dedicated competitor in the constantly evolving landscape of the UFC. Her future fights will be crucial in defining her legacy and establishing her place among the top contenders in the strawweight division.