Cláudia Gadelha, known as “Claudinha” in the MMA world, is a former UFC strawweight contender who made an impact in the women’s strawweight division with her grappling prowess and dedication. From her beginnings in Brazil to her career in the UFC, Gadelha’s journey reflects her determination and skill.
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Claudia Gadelha’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ana Cláudia Dantas Gadelha |
| Nickname | Claudinha |
| Birth Date | December 7, 1988 |
| Age | 35 (as of 2024) |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 5’3″ (160 cm) |
| Weight Class | Strawweight (115 lbs / 52.2 kg) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1-3 million |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| @claudiagadelha |
Early Career
Gadelha’s journey into martial arts began at age 14. Despite her parents’ initial resistance, she was inspired after witnessing a female MMA fight and began training in secret. Her passion led her to Nova União, a respected MMA gym, where she trained rigorously and developed her grappling skills, laying the foundation for her future career.
Professional Career
Gadelha debuted professionally in MMA in 2008, rising through the ranks in Brazilian MMA. In 2014, she joined the UFC, where her journey started with a victory over Tina Lähdemäki by unanimous decision. Gadelha continued her career in the UFC with notable fights, particularly her two intense bouts against Joanna Jędrzejczyk for the strawweight title. Although she came up short in these title attempts, her fights against Jędrzejczyk were highly competitive and earned her respect within the division. Gadelha’s combination of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and improved striking made her a tough opponent, keeping her ranked among the top contenders throughout her career.
After competing in 13 UFC fights, Gadelha retired in 2021. Post-retirement, she took on a role in fighter development within the UFC, focusing on cultivating Brazilian talent and supporting the growth of MMA in her home country.
Claudia Gadelha’s Net Worth and Earnings
As of 2024, Gadelha’s net worth is estimated to be between $1-3 million. Her income came from UFC fight purses, performance bonuses, and endorsement deals.
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Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 239 | Randa Markos | $102,000 ($51,000 to show, $51,000 win bonus) |
| UFC 225 | Carla Esparza | $103,000 ($49,000 to show, $49,000 win bonus, $5,000 fight week incentive pay) |
| UFC 212 | Karolina Kowalkiewicz | $103,000 ($49,000 to show, $49,000 win bonus, $5,000 Reebok sponsorship) |
Gadelha’s earnings per fight varied depending on the bout’s significance and her opponent. Her income was supplemented by performance bonuses for wins and Reebok sponsorship payments during the UFC’s Reebok era.
Endorsements
Throughout her career, Gadelha held multiple endorsements, including:
- Reebok (when it was the official UFC sponsor)
- Venum (the current UFC apparel sponsor)
- Various Brazilian brands for local sponsorships
These partnerships allowed Gadelha to expand her income and increase her visibility both in Brazil and internationally.
UFC Records
| Opponent | Result | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joanna Jędrzejczyk | Loss | TUF 23 Finale | July 8, 2016 |
| Jessica Andrade | Loss | UFC Fight Night 117 | September 22, 2017 |
| Carla Esparza | Win | UFC 225 | June 9, 2018 |
| Nina Nunes | Loss | UFC 231 | December 8, 2018 |
| Xiaonan Yan | Loss | UFC on ESPN 17 | November 7, 2020 |
Gadelha competed against some of the toughest fighters in the UFC, with memorable wins and losses that showcased her technical prowess and dedication to improvement in every bout.
FAQs
- What is Cláudia Gadelha’s most significant achievement in the UFC?
- Her most significant achievements were her two close fights against Joanna Jędrzejczyk, which demonstrated her skill and competitive spirit at the highest level.
- What inspired Gadelha to pursue MMA?
- Watching a female MMA fight inspired her, leading her to train in secret before joining the Nova União gym, where her journey as a professional fighter began.
- What has Gadelha been doing since her retirement?
- After retiring, she took a UFC role focused on fighter development in Brazil, helping to support and nurture emerging talent.
- How many UFC fights did Gadelha have?
- She had a total of 13 UFC fights, ending her career with an impressive 8-5 record in the organization.
- What weight class did she compete in?
- Gadelha competed in the UFC’s strawweight division (115 lbs).
Cláudia Gadelha’s career as a fighter, along with her role in developing MMA talent, cements her as an influential figure in the sport, particularly for Brazilian and female athletes aspiring to reach the highest levels.