Bianca Basilio: Brazilian jiu-jitsu star looking to take MMA by storm

The inaugural instalment of the MMA Super Cup showcased talent from all around the world and allowed a platform for new stars to showcase their talent.

One of the athletes who turned heads was Brazilian jiu-jitsu trailblazer Bianca Basilio, who is trying her hand at the world of MMA.

So far, she is off to a flying start, having submitted Tajikistan’s Shohona Ghozoeva via armbar in the opening round of her debut appearance.

The Brazilian-Bahraini fighter, who represents Bahrain when competing, set the stage alight on home soil.

After her win over Ghozoeva, Basilio said she felt “light and fast like a bullet ready to hit the target.”

Here’s a look at Basilio’s background and how she was destined to end up on the MMA stage.

Basilio is a blackbelt in BJJ and is a highly regarded submission wrestling/grappling — star and has held World Championships in multiple coloured belts.

The 26-year-old has won seven Pan American medals in jiu-jitsu, including two golds, and placed second in the 2019 and 2021 World Championships.

In 2019, Basilio won gold in the ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship — the most prestigious tournament in the combat sport.

With multiple medals and titles in her locker, Basilio is ready to ply her trade in MMA and it is hardly surprising that her career has led her down this path.

It’s advantage Bahrain in the race to 5️⃣ victories!Bianca Basilio gives the hosts a 2-0 lead over Tajikistan, thanks to this impressive submission against Shohona Ghozoeva.Can a valiant Tajikistan turn the tide? Watch @MMASuperCup LIVE on https://t.co/gGLEn8YCbb