A few weeks ago, Yana Gadelha flew four hours from her hometown of Manaus to São Paulo so she can complete the process of her U.S visa. Where many fighters relocated from the state of Amazonas to São Paulo’s better training facilities and career opportunities.

Gadelha grew up in an nothern neighborhood called Nova Cidade in Manaus, the capital of Amazonas.

“Manaus does not have much in relation to sport, especially for female sports. It is very difficult and devalued,” Gadelha told WMMA Rankings in Portuguese. “That’s why I bear the name of the ‘Amazon Warrior Woman’ on my chest. I represent each one who fights for her dreams as well as I do.”

“And in terms of sponsorship, thank God he sent people to take care of me during my journey. I hope that the opportunities for women here in Manaus will grow in terms of sports, not only in MMA but in all sports.”

Sponsorships are limited in Manaus, but that’s not the only obstacle she faces. Gadelha maintains a rigid schedule between her internship, training and college.

Gadelha interns in the morning as a nursing student. She’s in the last stage of a five-year nursing program while partaking in military aeronautics.

After interning, she does physical training at Fit One Manaus and teaches children’s jiu-jitsu classes. Once she finishes her jiu-jitsu sessions with Marico Pontes at MPBJJ Nova Uniao, she heads out to her nursing class at 7:30 p.m. and gets home around 10 p.m.

The busy schedule lead up to Gadelha getting her visa approved within days, after her interview with the U.S Embassy in São Paulo.

“So, it’s very important for me and this is a unique opportunity. I was already in the process of getting my visa before knowing I would be featured in the grand prix,” she said. “It is a feeling with great joy, gratitude, and happiness in knowing that my work is being recognized. Once again, I will be able to show my work, and participating in this event will be another great experience for me.”

The Amazonas native holds a 3-0 pro record, with just one year in her MMA career. Gadelha won all bouts by submission. In her last fight, she defeated Lorrany Santos in November via second-round arm bar at Jungle Fight 99.

Gadelha felt a mixed of emotions during the night she faced Santos. She said before the fight she was anxious and then joy kicked before making her way into the cage – a great joy that she couldn’t contain.

She had a “heart-felt” post-fight interview with Wooho News, the thoughts of being far away from her family came into mind.

“I was far from my family, I cried a lot. Worried about my mother who’s always nervous for each fight,” Gadelha said. “She wasn’t at this one, and that affected me because my mother and I are glued together. A word can’t describe what this journey has been like for me.”

Gadelha began dancing at 9 years old for her church’s dance group. Afterwards, she took jazz and ballet courses. She lost interest in dance six years later, when her sister Yara introduce her to jiu-jitsu.

“I felt in love with jiu-jitsu. It’s what I preferred over dancing,” she said. “I find my identity in jiu-jitsu. I don’t know how to explain it, but I know I love doing it.”

The Brazilian lightweight trained jiu-jitsu under Mario Marcelo at a different branch of Nova Uniao before she transitioned into MMA. Pontes saw her potential as an MMA fighter. Gadelha decided to train at MPBJJ as her home gym, but she still does her jiu-jitsu portion with Marcelo.

Gadelha has collected various international jiu-jitsu medals, and now she looks to take over the MMA scene.

“I have dreams of getting to the UFC. My plans are to train more, stand out and reach a big promotion, while bearing the name of my team,” she said. “If I were to win the PFL, I would certainly first give God his tithe, help my family and buy a home.”

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