After winning a personal battle against breast cancer and following a journey of overcoming in the world of MMA, Poliana Botelho , ex-UFC and currently signed by Bellator, shares her experience of transitioning between organizations, challenges faced in the octagon and the importance of health mentality in your career.
What was the process of transitioning your career from UFC to Bellator like? What were the main differences and challenges you faced?
I was coming off three losses in the UFC, at which point my contract ended and was not renewed. Then, I signed a fight with Invicta, where I became champion by beating fighter Hellen Peralta on points. Soon after, I signed a contract with Bellator, which is now also part of the PFL. This transition occurred in this way. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to debut at my new event yet, but that will happen in the near future.
You debuted in the UFC in 2017 with a notable victory. What was that moment like for you, and how did it influence your career path as a fighter?
My debut should have happened before 2017. I came from XFC, where I was champion in 2015. Soon after, I signed with the UFC and was scheduled to fight in Canada, in Toronto, against Valérie Létourneau . However, I ended up breaking my hand during an MMA training session with my teacher, and I was out of action for practically a year, as I fractured my hand twice. This situation prolonged my UFC debut, but the victory was very important for me. At the time, I was returning from an injury and this achievement was crucial for me to take the next steps in the event.
After your victory over Syuri Kondo in 2018, you faced a setback against Cynthia Calvillo . How did you deal with this defeat and what were the main lessons you learned from it?
I achieved the fastest knockout in the category, in 33 seconds, against Syuri Kondo. Next, I faced Cynthia Calvillo , where I suffered my first loss in the UFC. I was competing in the 52 kilo category, which required a very strict diet, putting significant strain on my body. I lost around 18 kilos in total, and my body could no longer support this load. At the time, my coach suggested that we move up a weight class, but when I signed with the UFC, the 57-kilo weight class didn’t exist yet. I ended up choosing to fight at 52 kilos, but when I faced Calvillo , the 57 kilo category was already available. Still, I decided to do this last fight. In the octagon, anything can happen; she could have emerged victorious, but that day, the victory was hers.
Last year, you shared your personal struggle with breast cancer. How did this experience affect your career and how were you able to maintain your training routine during treatment?
I discovered cancer shortly after signing with the Bellator PFL, in December 2023, and it changed everything in my life. It was a big scare, and I was out of action for two years due to the treatment. During this period, my training was not aimed at high performance or learning, but rather at keeping the body active, as recommended by doctors. I trained while respecting my body’s limits, maintaining a healthy diet during treatment. My training consisted of doing one minute of exercise, followed by three to four minutes of rest, respecting what my body allowed. Now I’m better and ready to resume. During treatment, the focus was just on keeping the body active and avoiding the inactivity that the medications could cause.
Currently, I am returning to training, but it’s important to mention that due to the medication I am still taking, an oral chemotherapy, I can’t give 100% of myself. This treatment has caused side effects, such as anemia and low platelet count, which limits my ability to train at full intensity. However, once I complete this medication, I will be able to fully dedicate myself again, as my body will be in better condition to handle the training routine without the limitations imposed by the treatment.
How do you prepare for a fight in Bellator, compared to the preparations you made in the UFC? Are there any differences in strategies or training?
I haven’t made my Bellator PFL debut yet, but that moment is closer than ever before, and I’m very happy about that. I feel a great emotion when I say that I finally see a light at the end of the tunnel, and now it’s like a spotlight directing us towards opening day. The preparation remains the same regardless of the event. We need to be well prepared , trained, studying the opponent, knowing their strengths and weaknesses, putting together strategies and knowing the best way to conduct the fight.
Do you have any specific tips for aspiring athletes who dream of pursuing a professional career in combat sports?
My tip for new athletes is to believe in yourself, believe that it is possible, that you are capable, and train. It is important to have someone by your side to monitor and guide you on what is best to do. Believe that it is possible, because we only achieve it when we believe.
In addition to physical training, how do you look after your mental and emotional health, especially during times of recovery and personal challenges?
The mental aspect is extremely important, as it is the mind that controls the body. Therefore, I believe that we need to have confidence in our ability and make it happen, there is no point in believing and not acting. I am currently undergoing treatment with a psychologist, which helps me a lot. I recommend that anyone who is starting out also seek this type of support, as it is a great help.
Follow Poliana Botelho on Instagram