Polyana Viana, known as “Dama de Ferro” or the Iron Lady, is making waves in the fiercely competitive world of the UFC women’s strawweight division. With her exceptional grappling skills and a knack for explosive finishes, Viana has quickly established herself as one of the top contenders in her weight class.
An Impressive Start
Hailing from São Geraldo do Araguaia in Pará, Brazil, Viana’s journey in mixed martial arts (MMA) began later than most. She first stepped onto the mats at the age of 21 in 2013. Despite her late start, she made an immediate impact by turning professional within the same year. Through hard work and determination, Viana compiled an impressive 8–1 record in regional promotions, culminating in a significant victory where she captured the Jungle Fight Strawweight Championship with a knockout of Amanda Ribas.
This success earned her a coveted spot in the UFC. Viana made her debut on February 3, 2018, at UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Anders, where she showcased her skills right from the onset.
Grappling Prowess
Viana has become renowned for her formidable submission game. Out of her 13 professional wins, eight have come via submission, showcasing her ability to dominate opponents before they can mount any effective counterattack. Notable techniques in her arsenal include rapid armbars and slick triangle chokes that often leave her rivals incapacitated.
Her performance hasn’t gone unnoticed; Viana has secured back-to-back Performance of the Night bonuses in the UFC, which highlights her effectiveness in fights and her ability to captivate audiences.
Key Statistics
- Full Name: Polyana Viana Mota
- Born: June 14, 1992 (age 32)
- Hometown: São Geraldo do Araguaia, Pará, Brazil
- Height: 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
- Weight Class: Strawweight (116 lb / 53 kg)
- Reach: 67 in (170 cm)
- Team: TATA Fight Team
- Rank: Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Pro MMA Record: 13 wins, 8 losses (5 KO, 8 submissions)
Career Highlights
Viana’s track record includes several notable achievements:
- UFC Debut: In her first UFC appearance, she submitted Maia Stevenson via a first-round rear-naked choke.
- Jungle Fight Champion: On November 28, 2015, she captured the Jungle Fight Strawweight title with a first-round KO of Amanda Ribas.
- Performance of the Night: Viana delivered an armbar submission over Mallory Martin at UFC 258 on February 13, 2021, earning her first bonus.
- Another Performance of the Night: On November 5, 2022, she knocked out Jinh Yu Frey in just 47 seconds at UFC Fight Night: Rodriguez vs. Lemos.
In terms of records, Viana is tied for the fourth-most finishes (4) and holds the second-most submissions (3) in UFC women’s strawweight history, underscoring her effectiveness and skill level.
A Bright Future Ahead
Polyana Viana’s ascent from a regional fighter to a prominent submission artist in the UFC speaks volumes about her technical prowess and finishing instincts. While she has encountered setbacks throughout her career, her ability to end fights in thrilling fashion keeps her as a constant threat in the octagon—capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike.
As Viana continues her quest for a top-10 ranking, there’s anticipation surrounding her potential growth. Expect her to refine her striking skills while diversifying her overall fight strategy, further solidifying her legacy as the Iron Lady of the strawweight division.