Jennifer Maia was born on October 6, 1988, in Curitiba, Brazil. From a young age, she demonstrated a natural athletic ability and initially pursued a career in soccer. However, at the age of 15, she discovered her passion for combat sports and transitioned to Muay Thai.
Maia quickly excelled in Muay Thai, earning multiple national titles in the sport. Her success led her to explore other disciplines, including boxing and ultimately mixed martial arts. She trained at the renowned Chute Boxing Academy in Brazil, honing her skills and preparing for a professional career in MMA.
In 2009, Maia made her professional MMA debut, showcasing her versatility and talent inside the cage. She quickly rose through the ranks, earning recognition for her striking ability and grappling skills. Her dominance in the Women's Flyweight division caught the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Maia signed with the UFC and made her debut in the promotion, where she continued to impress fans and critics alike. She faced tough competition and proved her resilience and determination in every fight. In August of 2020, she earned the Performance of the Night award for her impressive victory against Joanne Calderwood.
Maia's hard work and dedication paid off when she became the former Invicta FC Flyweight World Champion. Her accomplishments in the cage solidified her status as one of the top fighters in the Women's Flyweight division.
Outside of the cage, Maia values family and relationships. In September of 2022, she married Edicarlos Goncalves, finding love and support off the mats. Despite the demands of her career, she maintains a balance between her personal and professional life.
On October 18, 2023, it was announced that Maia decided not to re-sign with the UFC at the conclusion of her contract. Her decision sparked speculation about her next career move and potential opportunities in other MMA organizations.
Throughout her career, Jennifer Maia has inspired fans around the world with her tenacity and skill inside the cage. Her journey from Muay Thai champion to MMA star showcases the power of hard work and dedication. As she continues to pursue excellence in the sport, her legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the MMA community.