Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Bia Mesquita has achieved another milestone in her combat sports career, capturing the LFA bantamweight championship and positioning herself for a potential UFC opportunity.
The 10-time IBJJF world champion and ADCC gold medalist defeated Sierra Dinwoodie via TKO in the second round at LFA 211 in Salamanca, New York, becoming the third ever LFA 135-pound champion and the first Brazilian to claim the title. The victory came at 3:05 of the second round after Mesquita landed decisive strikes that forced the stoppage.
“Big punches, big punches, that’s gonna do it,” the commentary captured as Mesquita secured her fourth professional MMA victory and first championship belt in mixed martial arts.
The path to this championship bout was unconventional for Mesquita, who entered the contest following a disqualification victory over Hope Chase in March. Despite improving to 4-0 that night, the American Top Team product felt unsatisfied with how that contest ended.
“I need this belt, this title, to kind of end this cycle,” Mesquita told MMAFighting before the championship bout. “It’s like my internship in MMA, right? My first step, so I feel more confident when I get in the UFC. That will make me even more prepared.”
The DQ victory against Chase came under unfortunate circumstances when an illegal upkick left Mesquita temporarily unable to continue, creating concerns about potential eye damage. “The moment her heel hit, I felt my eyeball go in,” Mesquita explained. “Like the heel landed perfectly on the eye socket, you know? When I go down with my hand on the eye and try to open it and can’t, it’s like I don’t have any control of it anymore.”
Medical examinations later confirmed no serious damage occurred, with Mesquita noting, “Thank God it was nothing too serious. It took almost three weeks to get rid of all the bruises inside and around the eye, but I went the ophthalmologist and he said everything was alright.”
The championship victory represents a significant step forward for the grappling icon, who made her professional MMA debut just over a year ago. Her first three victories all came via rear-naked choke, showcasing the elite ground game that made her a legend in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Training alongside established UFC veterans like Kayla Harrison and Yana Santos in Florida has prepared Mesquita for the next level of competition. Her approach to the championship bout demonstrated this evolution in her game plan.
“I feel very prepared for whatever comes, but we’ll go to the ground eventually. We’re literally in a cage and there’s nowhere to run,” Mesquita said with a laugh before the contest. “My goal is always to take her down and submit, obviously, but that doesn’t mean I have to do that in the first 30 seconds.”
The victory over Dinwoodie, also 4-0 entering the contest, showcased Mesquita’s striking development alongside her world-class grappling skills. UFC matchmakers were reportedly in attendance at her previous bout, suggesting the promotion’s interest in the decorated grappler.
“Even though [the previous contest] didn’t end the way anyone wants — of course I wanted to sign with the UFC, I’m ready for this moment —, it happened the way it should,” Mesquita reflected. “This camp has made me more prepared. Winning this belt will make me more deserving of signing with the UFC.”
THATS IT!! BEA MESQUITA IS THE LFA WOMENS BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION!! #LFA211 pic.twitter.com/h4DFrL5BoK
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) June 21, 2025
