Viviane Araújo (fighter)


Viviane Araújo Gomes is a Brazilian mixed martial artist. She was the formal Pancrase strawweight champion and currently competes in the flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As of June 16, 2020, she is #8 in the UFC women's flyweight rankings.

Background

Araújo started playing soccer and spent much of her time away from home to forget about problems at home after witnessing her alcoholic father beating her mother in a daily basis. She later started Jiu jitsu and felt in love with the sport after an invitation from Jiu jitsu coach. She later became a Jiu jisu teacher and transitioned to mma as she was tired of watching her father abuse her mother. Araújo uses the octagon as the platform to voice her support to reach victims of domestic violence.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Araújo fought most of her early MMA career primary in Brazil and Japan, notable under Jungle Fight and Pancrase where she was the formal Pancrase strawweight champion prior signed by UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Araújo made her UFC debut and faced Talita Bernardo, replacing Melissa Gatto, on May 11, 2019 at UFC 237. She won the fight via knockout in the third round.
Her second fight came on July 27, 2019 at UFC 240, against Alexis Davis. She won the fight via unanimous decision.
Araújo faced Jessica Eye on December 14, 2019 at UFC 245
At the weigh-ins, Jessica Eye weighted 31 lbs.,five lbs. over the Flyweight limit of 126 lbs. She forfeit 30% of her fight purse to Araújo. She lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Araújo was scheduled to meet Jennifer Maia on June 27, 2020 at UFC on ESPN 11. However, the bout was rescheduled in mid-June to take place on August 1, 2020 at after both participants faced travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequently, Araújo was removed from the card in mid-July after testing positive for COVID-19 and replaced by Joanne Calderwood.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts