Gabriella Fernandes faced Wang Cong at UFC Macau in a high-stakes women’s flyweight bout. Cong, fighting in her home country, looked to deliver a dominant performance, showcasing her striking and grappling superiority. However, the Chinese fighter failed to live up to the expectation.

Fernandes won the fight via submission silencing the crowd in Macau. Fernandes displayed resilience and matched Kong’s pace and tactical precision throughout the fight. This win solidifies Fernandes as a rising star in the division, drawing attention to her future prospects in the UFC. However, after the fight, she made an honest confession to the fans after she lost her sister before the fight.

Gabriella Fernandes gets emotional after her victory at UFC Macau

During her post-fight interview inside the Octagon, she took time to share her problems with the fans. She said , “They didn’t want me to pull out of the fight. And that’s when they told me recently before the fight. Both of my hands are hurting my foot is hurting. Listen I came here as an underdog. I came all the way to China and look at me now”. 

Gabriella Fernandes’s journey in the UFC has been a testament to resilience and determination. Hailing from Brazil, she entered the octagon with a strong background in regional MMA circuits but soon discovered that competing at the UFC level required more than raw talent. Her debut in 2023 was a tough introduction, as she faced challenges adapting to the UFC’s high-caliber competition, suffering losses against top contenders like Jasmine Jasudavicius and Tereza Bleda. These setbacks were not just physical but also emotional, testing her mental fortitude.

Outside the cage, Gabriella carries the weight of personal tragedy. The loss of her father and sister profoundly shaped her outlook on life and fighting. Rather than succumbing to grief, she used it as a source of motivation, dedicating herself to honoring their memory through her performances. The Brazilian fighter is now 10-3 in his career and 2-2 under the UFC banner and looking to inch closer to the title next. With her dominating victory, what’s next for the Brazilian fighter? Let us find out about it below.

Who can Gabriella Fernandes face next in his career?

Gabriella Fernandes has steadily made her mark in the UFC’s flyweight division, showcasing resilience and a strong work ethic. After making her debut in 2023, she faced formidable opponents, enduring tough losses that highlighted gaps in her game, particularly in grappling. These challenges became opportunities for growth, as Fernandes dedicated herself to refining her skills. Her recent victories demonstrate improved striking precision and a well-rounded approach, proving she belongs among the division’s elite.

As she climbs the rankings, Gabriella’s next opponent could solidify her place as a true contender. A matchup with a fellow rising star like Tracy Cortez or a test against a veteran like Andrea Lee could be pivotal. These fights would allow Fernandes to showcase her evolving skill set while challenging her ability to handle top-tier competition.

With the flyweight division constantly shifting, Gabriella Fernandes remains a compelling figure. Her ability to overcome personal and professional struggles, combined with her growing versatility, makes her a dangerous contender. As she continues her journey, the next fight will be critical in determining whether she can break into the division’s upper echelon and eventually challenge for the title. Her future in the UFC is one to watch closely. So who according to you should she face next? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.