Gabriella Fernandes

When and why did you start training for fighting? I first started training martial arts to lose weight, but after some time I started to enjoy this activity so much that I decided to take a risk and join fighting competitions, first at an amateur level, but slowly I found my place as a professional. 

What ranks and titles have you held? LFA belt in flyweight division, several medals in surfing and athletics championships (state champion in athletics and taekwondo). Several titles and medals in jiu jitsu championships 

Do you have any heroes? My mother, who raised us by herself, moved with small kids from Rio de Janeiro to Rio Grande do Norte, gave us a safe and loving house and has always been a very strong support in my life.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It was a dream, a goal and turned into my personal achievement. I promised myself that before I died, I will step into the UFC Octagon. Along the way my dream grew, but I still keep focused on improving my technique and becoming a better athlete.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I started studying Management at the University in Natal, but I decided to interrupt my studies to focus on training. 

What was your job before you started fighting? Boxing personal trainer and surfing instructor 

Favorite grappling technique: Rear naked choke

Favorite Striking technique: High kick