Brief Introduction of Mayra Bueno Silva
Mayra Bueno Silva, known by her moniker “Sheetara,” is a formidable Brazilian mixed martial artist who has made a significant impact in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Competing in the women’s Bantamweight division, she is recognized for her aggressive fighting style, exceptional grappling skills, and a high submission rate. Hailing from Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Silva’s journey from humble beginnings to the global stage of MMA is a testament to her dedication and resilience. Her career is marked by a series of impressive victories, earning her accolades such as “Performance of the Night” and “Fight of the Night” bonuses in the UFC. Beyond her athletic achievements, Silva is also a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community within the sport, openly sharing her life with her wife, fellow fighter Gloria de Paula. Mayra Bueno Silva’s biography is not just a tale of a skilled fighter, but also of a woman who has overcome numerous obstacles to carve out her own legacy in the competitive world of mixed martial arts.
Mayra Bueno Silva Overview
| Full Name | Mayra Bueno Silva |
| Date of Birth | August 22, 1991 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 34 |
| Birthplace | Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil |
| Profession | Mixed Martial Artist |
| Husband/Wife | Gloria de Paula |
| Family | Marry Luz (Mother) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married to Gloria de Paula |
| Net Worth | Estimated over $200,000 |
Early Life and Education of Mayra Bueno Silva
Born on August 22, 1991, in the city of Uberlândia, located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, Mayra Bueno Silva’s early life was marked by the resilience and determination that would later define her fighting career. Growing up in a small town in Brazil, she faced numerous challenges that are common for aspiring athletes from humble backgrounds. Her interest in combat sports sparked at a young age when she was first introduced to traditional martial arts. This initial exposure laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors in the world of mixed martial arts. Unlike many athletes who have access to premier training facilities from the outset, Silva had to forge her own path. She began her training in local gyms, where she was guided by dedicated mentors who recognized her raw talent and unwavering passion. This early experience instilled in her a sense of adaptability and toughness, qualities that have proven invaluable in her professional career. Before dedicating her life to fighting, she worked at a supermarket to support herself. For her formal education, Silva attended Jerônimo Arantes State School. Her journey from a small Brazilian town to the international MMA scene is a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity through sheer will and hard work.
Mayra Bueno Silva’s Career
Mayra Bueno Silva’s professional mixed martial arts career is a compelling story of rapid ascent, resilience in the face of setbacks, and a relentless pursuit of championship gold. Her journey into the professional circuit began in 2015, and she quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the Brazilian regional scene. With a blend of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, she amassed a series of victories, capturing the Batalha MMA Bantamweight title in the process. This early success did not go unnoticed, and in 2018, she was invited to compete on Dana White’s Contender Series Brazil. In a career-defining performance, she secured a first-round ninja choke submission over Mayana Souza dos Santos, earning herself a coveted UFC contract.
Silva made her official UFC debut on September 22, 2018, against Gillian Robertson, where she once again showcased her submission prowess with a first-round armbar victory. Her early UFC career was a mix of wins and losses, demonstrating both her finishing ability and her grit in hard-fought battles. She earned her first “Fight of the Night” bonus in a decision loss to Maryna Moroz in March 2020. Throughout her tenure in the UFC, Silva has competed in both the Flyweight and Bantamweight divisions, eventually finding her most consistent success after moving back up to 135 pounds in 2022. This move heralded a significant unbeaten streak, where she secured impressive victories and performance bonuses. Notable wins during this period include a first-round armbar submission of Stephanie Egger and a second-round kneebar submission of Lina Länsberg, the latter of which earned her a “Performance of the Night” award.
A pivotal moment in her career came in July 2023, when she headlined a UFC event against former bantamweight champion Holly Holm. Silva delivered a stunning performance, submitting the veteran fighter with a ninja choke in the second round and earning another “Performance of the Night” bonus. However, this career-high was followed by a significant challenge. The victory was later overturned to a No Contest after she tested positive for a substance consistent with her prescribed medication for ADHD. Despite the setback and a subsequent suspension, Silva remained resolute. She returned to the octagon in January 2024 to fight for the vacant UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship against Raquel Pennington. Although she lost the five-round championship bout via unanimous decision, her journey to a title shot solidified her position as one of the top contenders in the division. Following the title fight, she faced Macy Chiasson in June 2024, a bout that was stopped by the doctor due to a cut. Her subsequent fights in 2025 included losses by unanimous decision to Jasmine Jasudavicius and Jacqueline Cavalcanti, marking a challenging period in her career.
Mayra Bueno Silva Personal Life & Family
Beyond the octagon, Mayra Bueno Silva’s personal life is a story of love, partnership, and resilience. She is openly lesbian and married to fellow mixed martial artist Gloria de Paula. Their relationship is a cornerstone of her life, providing a source of strength and support through the highs and lows of her demanding career. The couple met in 2016 at the renowned Chute Boxe gym in São Paulo, where they were both honing their fighting skills. Their shared passion for MMA forged a deep connection, and their relationship blossomed around 2017. They tied the knot on November 28, 2022, and have been inseparable since.
Silva has been vocal about the crucial role Gloria plays in her life, not just as a partner but also as a pillar of support during challenging times. She has publicly credited de Paula with helping her through a difficult period of depression, encouraging her to seek professional help and reigniting her passion for both life and fighting. Their bond is further strengthened by their shared experiences as professional fighters. Gloria de Paula, a former UFC strawweight, understands the physical and mental toll of the sport, and they often train together, providing each other with invaluable insight and motivation. The couple is also close to their families, with Silva’s mother, Marry Luz, and de Paula’s mother, Wal de Paula, sharing a close bond with them. Wal de Paula has even been in Silva’s corner during her fights. While they do not have any children of their own yet, they share a deep affection for de Paula’s niece, Gigi. In early 2025, it was reported that Silva and de Paula had moved back to Brazil to begin the IVF process, underscoring their desire to start a family. This decision highlights the couple’s commitment to building a life together beyond the cage, balancing the demanding career of a professional athlete with personal aspirations. Their relationship stands as an inspiration, showcasing the power of love and partnership in the world of professional sports.
Awards and Achievements of Mayra Bueno Silva
- Ultimate Fighting Championship – Fight of the Night (Two times) vs. Maryna Moroz and Wu Yanan
- Ultimate Fighting Championship – Performance of the Night (Two times) vs. Lina Länsberg and Holly Holm
- Batalha MMA – BMMA Bantamweight Championship (One time)
Mayra Bueno Silva Net Worth and Income
As of recent estimates, Mayra Bueno Silva’s net worth is believed to be over $200,000. Her primary sources of income are her earnings from her fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and various endorsement deals. A professional fighter’s income can fluctuate significantly based on the frequency of their fights, their performance, and their ability to secure lucrative sponsorships. For her fights in the UFC, Silva’s earnings are composed of a base salary, a potential win bonus, performance bonuses, and promotional bonuses. For instance, in her victory over Lina Lansberg at UFC Vegas 69, she earned an estimated $151,000, which included a base salary of $48,000 along with performance and promotional bonuses. Her base salary for other fights has been reported to be around $75,000. In addition to her fight purses, Silva has secured sponsorship deals with major brands such as Reebok and Monster Energy, which provide a supplementary stream of income. These endorsements are a testament to her growing profile in the world of mixed martial arts.
Legacy and Influence
Mayra Bueno Silva’s legacy in mixed martial arts is still being written, yet her influence is already palpable. As a prominent Brazilian fighter in the UFC, she follows in the footsteps of a rich lineage of martial artists from her home country. Her aggressive, submission-focused fighting style has made her a fan favorite and a respected competitor in the bantamweight division. However, her impact extends far beyond her in-cage performances. Silva is a trailblazer for women in a sport that has traditionally been male-dominated. She actively advocates for female empowerment, using her platform to inspire young girls to pursue their dreams, regardless of societal expectations. Her journey from a small town in Brazil to the pinnacle of MMA serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved through perseverance and self-belief.
Furthermore, as an openly gay athlete, Silva has become an important figure for LGBTQ+ representation in combat sports. She is unapologetically herself, and her relationship with her wife, Gloria de Paula, is a visible and positive representation of a same-sex couple in the public eye. This visibility is crucial in breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive environment within the MMA community and sports in general. Silva’s outspoken personality and confidence in her identity have made her a role model for many. She has also expressed a desire to give back to her community, with plans for a project to help children in her neighborhood stay off the streets. Through her fighting spirit, her advocacy, and her authentic self, Mayra Bueno Silva is shaping a legacy that is not only defined by wins and losses but also by the positive impact she has on the world around her.
Interesting Facts about Mayra Bueno Silva
- Her nickname, “Sheetara,” was given to her by her coach, Evangelista ‘Cyborg’ Santos, and is inspired by the character Cheetara from the 1980s animated series “ThunderCats,” reflecting her speed and ferocity.
- Before becoming a professional fighter, she worked in a supermarket.
- She is a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
- Silva is a proud representative of the LGBTQ+ community in MMA.
- Her wife, Gloria de Paula, is also a former UFC fighter.
- She has expressed a deep faith in God and believes she is “the chosen one” destined for success in MMA.
Controversies
In 2023, Mayra Bueno Silva faced a significant controversy in her career following her victory over Holly Holm. On August 21, 2023, it was announced that she had been flagged for a potential doping violation by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after testing positive for Ritalinic acid in a pre-fight drug test. Silva publicly addressed the situation, stating that the substance was from a prescribed medication she had been taking for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for several years. She maintained that she had never taken any substance to enhance her performance and had discontinued the medication at the beginning of fight week, as she had done in the past. Despite her explanation, the victory over Holm was overturned to a No Contest, and she received a suspension. This incident was a major setback in her career, coming at a time when she had significant momentum. The controversy also drew criticism from some fellow fighters, with former champion Julianna Peña mockingly referring to her as “CHEAT-ara.”
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (@mayra_sheetara) – 80,000+ followers
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – Information not disclosed
Final Words about Mayra Bueno Silva
Mayra Bueno Silva’s journey in the world of mixed martial arts is a powerful narrative of talent, tenacity, and the will to overcome adversity. From her early days training in local gyms in Brazil to headlining UFC events, she has consistently proven herself to be a top-tier competitor with a skillset that is both exciting and effective. Her career, while marked by impressive victories and accolades, has also seen its share of challenges, including a controversial suspension that tested her resilience. Yet, through it all, Silva has remained a formidable presence in the bantamweight division, constantly evolving as a fighter and pushing towards her championship aspirations. Her impact transcends the octagon, as she stands as a proud representative of the LGBTQ+ community and an advocate for women in sports. With her fighting spirit and unwavering self-belief, Mayra “Sheetara” Bueno Silva’s future in MMA remains bright, and her story continues to inspire fans and aspiring athletes around the globe.
