IBJJF champ Thalyta Silva resumes MMA journey – with UFC title dream

Thalyta Silva reached high heights in the world of grappling, and now she's fully committed to doing the same in MMA.

A IBJJF world champion, Silva (1-0) dabbled in MMA long ago. MMA was always in her plans, but her strong performances on the grappling mats delayed prioritizing that path.

Silva has turned heads in the grappling world for her IBJJF world title, as well as three European IBJJF titles, two IBJJF Pan American titles, and a Brazilian IBJJF title. She also holds a win over grappling phenom Helena Crevar, whom she defeated on points in July.

Silva has one MMA fight on her resume, but it happened back in 2017 shortly after her 18th birthday. She made quick work of opponent Patricia Borges. Now 26, Silva will return for her second outing Dec. 14 at MMA University 3.

"With much more experience and an even stronger desire to win, I feel prepared and confident," Silva told MMA Junkie through a Portuguese language translator. "It’s definitely a transition that will define my path in the combat sports world, and I intend to commit fully to MMA.

"... I always planned to transition to MMA after winning my first IBJJF black belt world title, which happened this year. So I felt it was the right moment to begin the second phase of my career as a fighter. I’ll still take some grappling matches that align with my goals."

Silva could be the next in a growing trend of female IBJJF champions to make a splash in the UFC. UFC women's bantamweight champion Mackenzie Dern took a similar route, as did rising strawweights Jacqueline Amorim and Bia Mesquita.

"I have many fighters who inspire me in both MMA and Jiu-Jitsu," Silva said. "But in MMA, I really like Mackenzie because she followed the path I want to pursue."

Silva has lofty goals for both MMA and grappling. She's eager to occupy either sport's throne – or maybe both simultaneously.

"I believe I may have an advantage because of my Jiu-Jitsu background, but I’m prepared for either path," Silva said. "I’ve always enjoyed training MMA, and I’m building a very solid foundation. ... My goal is to join the UFC and become a champion."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: IBJJF champ Thalyta Silva resumes MMA journey – with UFC title dream