Beatriz Mesquita also known as Bia Mesquita[7] is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) competitor with arguably the best competitive record in both Gi and Nogi of all time having won 24 titles at black belt level in the 4 major Gi Championships.[8] With 10 gold medals, as of Worlds 2021, she holds the record for the most IBJJFWorld Championship titles at black belt level[9] and is a member of the IBJJF Hall of Fame.
Grappling career
Early career
Beatriz de Oliveira Mesquita[7] began training Brazilian jiu-jitsu at aged five in 1996, besides jiujitsu she also trained in judo, wrestling and swimming.[10] By the time she was 10 she had won the Brazilian National Junior Championships, three State Championships and several other major tournaments, she was sent to train under BJJ legend Leticia Ribeiro, in Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. At 15 she trained in Freestyle wrestling winning a junior state title before dedicating herself to BJJ.[7] She received her brown belt in June 2009 from professor Leticia Ribeiro, while standing on the podium of the World Championship. She went on to receive her black belt in March 2011 again from professor Ribeiro.[1]
Mesquita faced Jennifer Maia in the main event of ADXC 3 on March 2, 2024.[15] She won the match by submission.[16]
Mesquita was invited to compete in the under 65kg division of the 2024 ADCC World Championship.[17] She submitted Sula-Mae Lowenthal in the opening round and lost a decision to Ana Carolina Vieira, before beating Brianna Ste-Marie by decision in the third-place match to win the bronze medal.[18] She returned in the women's absolute division, submitting Kendall Reusing and beating Amy Campo by decision before losing to Adele Fornarino in the title to win a silver medal.[19]
Mixed martial arts career
Mesquita announced on April 7, 2023, that she had signed a contract to be represented by First Round Management and would be making her MMA debut shortly.[20] Mesquita announced on September 30, 2023 that she was going to be training at American Top Team.[4]
Mesquita made her professional MMA debut against Jorgina Ramos at Spaten Fight Night on June 15, 2024.[21] She won the fight by submission in the first round.[22]
Mesquita faced Shannel Butler at LFA 194 on October 18, 2024.[23] She won the fight by submission in the first round.[24]