Cláudia Gadelha

Gadelha had a tough childhood and early youth. Her mother did not get along with her rebellious character, which, in her opinion, did not fit a girl. Gadelha's wish to practice martial arts was also not tolerated by her parents. Later she came into contact with drugs and bad friends, which forced her parents to take her to Natal to keep her away from these influences and finish high school. This relocation changed her life completely. At the age of 14, she started to work out secretly in a gym. One day Gadelha went to an MMA event in Natal where she saw a female fight. The experience raised her passion for the sport. At the same event, she met Jair Lourenço and he invited her to take a class at his academy. Shortly afterward, by sheer coincidence, her father rented an apartment in the Kimura headquarters, and with that, her relationship with Nova União was cemented. Henceforth she dedicated her life to martial arts and never got involved in drugs again. At age 18, Gadelha moved to Rio de Janeiro where she celebrated her successes in BJJ and debuted in MMA. "The sport was teaching me how I should deal with life. Today, I am a completely different person, thanks to martial arts," Gadelha has said.{{cite web|url=http://extra.globo.com/esporte/lutas/claudinha-gadelha-se-divide-entre-as-lutas-do-ufc-os-estudos-para-ser-delegada-13774268.html|title=Claudinha Gadelha se divide entre as lutas do UFC e os estudos para ser delegada(Portuguese)|publisher=globo.com|date=August 31, 2014}}

Gadelha previously trained at Nova União with former UFC Featherweight Champion José Aldo.{{cite web|url=http://jitsmagazine.com/video/interview-with-claudia-gadelha-of-nova-uniao-future-of-womens-mma/P60|title=Interview with Claudia Gadelha of Nova Uniao - future of women's MMA - Jits Magazine|publisher=JitsMagazine.com|access-date=August 1, 2013}} She is the youngest BJJ black belt in Nova União's history.{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/7/12/4518208/new-stars-making-invicta-fc-6-debut-inoue-gadelha-wmma-news|title=New stars in the making at Invicta FC 6|publisher=BloodyElbow.com|date=July 12, 2013|access-date=August 1, 2013}} Gadelha opened her own gym in March 2016. In August 2016, she decided to move to Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, USA, and left Nova União. She also trained at Jackson-Wink MMA Academy.{{cite web|url=https://www.abqjournal.com/1010238/brazilian-fighter-finds-an-mma-home-in-albuquerque.html|title=Brazilian fighter finds an MMA home in Albuquerque|date=May 30, 2017}}

In early 2018, Gadelha moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she trained at the UFC Performance Institute and Xtreme Couture.

Gadelha made her professional MMA debut on June 5, 2008, at Force Fighting Championship 1 against Elaine Leite. She won via armbar in 17 seconds. Gadelha then won her next six fights to maintain an undefeated 7–0 record.

Gadelha was sidelined for all of 2011 due to complications with a vein in her leg. Upon her return, she took part in the filming of Fight Xchange,{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5629685/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1|title=InternationalMovieDatabase|website=IMDb|access-date=April 2, 2014}} a documentary series that followed the lives of six mixed martial artists - three Canadians and three Brazilians - as they trained together and prepared for upcoming fights.{{cite web|url=http://www.superchannel.ca/series/view/56170126/Fight-Xchange|title=Super Channel Series: Fight Xchange|publisher=SuperChannel.ca|access-date=August 1, 2013}} The series aired on Super Channel in Canada. Brazilian Globo.com repeated the series in February/March 2014 on the channel Combate.

On April 20, 2012, at the conclusion of Fight Xchange, Gadelha made her North American MMA debut against Valérie Létourneau at Wreck MMA: Road to Glory.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/news/2012/04/15/valerie-letourneau-vs-claudia-gadelha-planned-for-wreck-mma/|title=Valérie Létourneau vs Claudia Gadelha Planned For Wreck MMA|publisher=MMARising.com|date=April 15, 2012|access-date=July 20, 2013}} She won the fight by split decision.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/articles/2012/04/20/claudia-gadelha-edges-valerie-letourneau-at-road-to-glory/|title=Claudia Gadelha Edges Valérie Létourneau At "Road To Glory"|publisher=MMARising.com|date=April 20, 2012|access-date=July 20, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://topmmanews.com/2012/04/20/wreck-mma-road-to-glory-play-by-play/|title=WRECK MMA Road to Glory Play-by-Play – Turner, Holst, Dewsbery Win|publisher=TopMMANews.com|date=April 20, 2012|access-date=July 20, 2013}}

In her next fight, Gadelha earned her first TKO win on September 21, 2012, when she defeated Adriana Vieira at Shooto Brazil 34.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/articles/2012/09/21/friday-recap-claudia-gadelha-kathina-catron-earn-quick-wins/|title=Friday Recap: Claudia Gadelha, Kathina Catron Earn Quick Wins|publisher=MMARising.com|date=September 21, 2012|access-date=July 20, 2013}}

In January 2014, Cláudia won the vote of the WMMA press for the 'Fan Favorite Fighter of the Year 2013.'{{cite web|url=http://wombatsports.wordpress.com/2014/01/02/wmma-press-awards-fan-favorite-promotion-and-sponsor-of-the-year-winners/|title=WMMA Press Awards Fan Favorite|publisher=wombatsports.wordpress.com|date=January 2, 2014|access-date=January 2, 2014}}

Gadelha was scheduled to make her Invicta FC debut at Invicta FC 4 against Carla Esparza for the inaugural Strawweight Championship, but a broken nose forced Gadelha out of the bout and she was replaced by Bec Hyatt.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/28/3812096/injury-forces-claudia-gadelha-out-of-invicta-4-main-event|title=Injury forces Claudia Gadelha out of Invicta 4 main event|publisher=MMAFighting.com|date=December 28, 2012|access-date=July 20, 2013}}

After recovering from her injury, Gadelha faced and defeated Hérica Tibúrcio on May 11, 2013, at Max Sport 13.2 in Brazil.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/articles/2013/05/11/claudia-gadelha-defeats-herica-tiburcio-at-max-sport-13-2-in-brazil/|title=Claudia Gadelha Defeats Hérica Tibúrcio At Max Sport 13.2 In Brazil|publisher=MMARising.com|date=May 11, 2013|access-date=July 20, 2013}}

Gadelha then made her Invicta FC debut at Invicta FC 6, replacing injured champion Carla Esparza against fellow undefeated fighter Ayaka Hamasaki.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2013/6/12/4421260/invicta-claudia-gadelha-injured-champ-carla-esparza-ayaka-hamasaki-wmma|title=Invicta FC: Claudia Gadelha Replaces Injured Champ Carla Esparza Against Ayaka Hamasaki|publisher=MMAMania.com|date=June 12, 2013|access-date=July 20, 2013}} Despite having a point deducted in the first round for an illegal knee, Gadelha defeated Hamasaki via third-round TKO and earned a shot at Esparza's strawweight title.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/articles/2013/07/13/invicta-fc-6-results-cris-cyborg-wins-featherweight-title/|title=Invicta FC 6 Results: Cris Cyborg Wins Featherweight Title|publisher=MMARising.com|date=July 13, 2013|access-date=July 20, 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/07/invicta-fc-6-live-results-and-fight-recaps |title=Invicta FC 6 results: Cris 'Cyborg' claims featherweight belt with TKO win |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=July 13, 2013 |access-date=July 20, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130717050058/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/07/invicta-fc-6-live-results-and-fight-recaps |archive-date=July 17, 2013 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/invicta-fc-6-victories-set-up-title-shots-for-claudia-gadelha-and-leslie-smith|title=Invicta FC 6 Victories Set Up Title Shots for Claudia Gadelha and Leslie Smith|publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=July 14, 2013|access-date=July 20, 2013}}

On December 7, 2013, Gadelha was again set to challenge Esparza for the Invicta FC strawweight championship at Invicta FC 7. On late Friday evening before the event, Gadelha was taken to the hospital due to gastroenteritis,

triggered by bacteria, thus canceling the fight.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/12/7/5185618/claudia-gadelha-off-invicta-fc-7-card-with-bacterial-infection|title=Claudia Gadelha ott Invicta FC 7 card|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=December 7, 2013|access-date=December 14, 2013}}

On December 11, 2013, it was announced that Gadelha was signed by the UFC along with ten other strawweight fighters to compete on season 20 of The Ultimate Fighter which will crown the first ever UFC strawweight champion.{{cite web|url=http://mmainsider.net/13572/ufc-announce-plans-for-strawweight-division-with-tuf-20-signings-of-several-invicta-fc-roster-confirmed|title=UFC Announce Plans for Strawweight Division with TUF 20, Signings of Several Invicta FC Roster Confirmed|publisher=MMAInsider.net|author=Dave Reid|date=December 11, 2013|access-date=December 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212021107/http://mmainsider.net/13572/ufc-announce-plans-for-strawweight-division-with-tuf-20-signings-of-several-invicta-fc-roster-confirmed|archive-date=December 12, 2013|url-status=usurped}} In April 2014 it was announced that Cláudia Gadelha would not take part in TUF 20, but has signed a direct contract with the UFC.{{cite web |url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/4/28/5662594/tuf-20-36-women-vying-eight-8-spots-claudia-gadelha-and-juliana-lima-out-tryouts/in/5426845|title=TUF 20 Tryouts: 36 women vying for 8 spots, Claudia Gadelha and Juliana Lima officially out |publisher=bloodyelbow.com |date=April 28, 2014 |access-date=May 2, 2014}}

In the UFC's first female strawweight fight, Gadelha faced Tina Lähdemäki on July 16, 2014, at UFC Fight Night: Cerrone vs. Miller. Gadelha won the fight via unanimous decision (30–26, 30–27, and 30–27).

Gadelha next faced Joanna Jędrzejczyk on December 13, 2014, at UFC on Fox 13.{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/Fight-Announcements-Four-for-Friday|title=Fight Announcements|date=October 17, 2014}} She lost the fight via split decision. After the horn signaled the end of the third and final round, Gadelha punched Jędrzejczyk after the referee had separated the two fighters. Gadelha immediately apologetically approached Jędrzejczyk and claimed she didn't hear the bell, despite being separated by the referee. Dana White later stated in the UFC on Fox 13 post-fight press conference that the UFC wouldn't take any disciplinary actions towards Gadelha, due to her immediate regret shown towards Jędrzejczyk.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Dana-White-GadelhaJedrzejczyk-PostFight-Incident-Not-a-Paul-Daley-Situation-78777|title=Sherdog.com|date=December 14, 2014}} The judges' decision caused controversies afterward as 12 out of 14 media outlets and the majority of viewers scored the bout in favor of Gadelha.{{cite web|url=http://mmadecisions.com/decision/5757/Joanna-Jedrzejczyk-vs-Claudia-Gadelha|title=Media scores of the fight Claudia Gadelha vs Joanna Jedrzejczyk|access-date=October 22, 2015}}

Gadelha was expected to face Aisling Daly on April 11, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 64.{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.co.nz/news/Irelands-Aisling-Daly-Claudia-Gadelha-Krakow|title=Ireland's Aisling Daly meets Claudia Gadelha at UFC Fight Night Krakow|publisher=ufc.co.nz|author=Staff|date=February 12, 2015}} However, Gadelha pulled out of the bout in late March citing a recent muscle spasm in her back. Subsequently, Daly was pulled from the card entirely.{{cite web|url=http://severemma.com/2015/03/claudia-gadelha-reveals-she-has-withdrawn-from-bout-with-aisling-daly-in-poland/|title=Claudia Gadelha reveals she has withdrawn from bout with Aisling Daly in Poland|publisher=severemma.com|author=Sean Sheehan|date=March 27, 2015|access-date=March 27, 2015}}

Gadelha next faced former WSOF Women's Strawweight Champion Jessica Aguilar on August 1, 2015, at UFC 190.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/6/11/8765087/jessica-aguilar-signs-with-the-ufc-meets-claudia-gadelha-in-brazil|title=Jessica Aguilar signs with the UFC, meets Claudia Gadelha in Brazil|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=June 11, 2015|access-date=June 11, 2015}} She won the fight by unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/08/ufc-190-results-claudia-gadelha-tops-jessica-aguilar-to-set-up-potential-title-shot|title=UFC 190 results: Claudia Gadelha tops Jessica Aguilar to set up potential title shot|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|date=August 1, 2015|access-date=August 1, 2015}}

In early 2016, the UFC announced that Gadelha would be one of the coaches, opposite former opponent Joanna Jędrzejczyk on The Ultimate Fighter 23. A rematch for the UFC Strawweight Championship between the two took place on July 8, 2016, at The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2016/1/18/10785284/joanna-jedrzejczyk-vs-claudia-gadelha-rematch-set-july-8-coaching-slots-tuf-23-mma|title=Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs Claudia Gadelha rematch set for July 8 following coaching slots on TUF 23|date=January 18, 2016|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Jesse Holland|access-date=January 18, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/event/the-ultimate-fighter-finale-team-joanna-team-claudia|title=The Ultimate Fighter Finale Fri. Jul. 8, 2016 Team Joanna vs. Team Claudia|publisher=UFC|access-date=March 8, 2016}} She lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/tuf-23-finale-results-joanna-jedrzejczyk-outlasts-claudia-gadelha-then-apologizes|title=TUF 23 Finale results: Joanna Jedrzejczyk outlasts Claudia Gadelha then apologizes|publisher=mmaweekly.com |author=Ken Pishna|access-date=July 9, 2016|date=July 9, 2015}}

On November 19, 2016, she defeated Cortney Casey at UFC Fight Night: Bader vs. Nogueira 2 via unanimous decision.

Gadelha faced Karolina Kowalkiewicz in the co-main event at UFC 212 on June 3, 2017. She won the bout by rear-naked choke submission in the first round. The win also earned Gadelha her first Performance of the Night bonus award.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/?p=251220|title=UFC 212 bonuses: Brian Kelleher gets that $50K he called for in epic post-fight interview|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|access-date=June 4, 2017|date=June 4, 2017}}

Gadelha faced Jéssica Andrade at UFC Fight Night: Saint Preux vs. Okami on September 23, 2017.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/07/ufc-claudia-gadelha-challenges-jessica-andrade-instagram|title=UFC's Claudia Gadelha challenges fellow Brazilian Jessica Andrade – who accepts|date=July 25, 2017|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=August 24, 2017|language=en-US}} She lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/09/ufc-fight-night-117-results-jessica-andrade-beats-up-claudia-gadelha-in-bloody-battle|title=UFC Fight Night 117 results: Jessica Andrade beats up Claudia Gadelha in bloody battle|date=September 23, 2017|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=September 23, 2017|language=en-US}} The fight earned Gadelha her second Fight of the Night bonus award.{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2017/09/23/ufc-fight-night-117-results-highlights-bonus-money-winners-fight-scores-attendance-and-gate/#16085e9e4b23|title=UFC Fight Night 117 Results, Highlights, Bonus Money Winners, Fight Scores, Attendance And Gate|last=Mazique|first=Brian|work=Forbes|access-date=September 23, 2017|language=en}}

Gadelha faced Carla Esparza on June 9, 2018, at UFC 225.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2018/02/carla-esparza-claudia-gadelha-ufc-225-chicago|title=Carla Esparza vs. Claudia Gadelha announced for UFC 225 in Chicago|date=February 15, 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=February 15, 2018|language=en-US}} She won the fight by split decision.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/06/ufc-225-results-claudia-gadelha-survives-early-trouble-outpoints-carla-esparza-much-to-crowds-dismay|title=UFC 225 results: Claudia Gadelha survives early trouble, outpoints Carla Esparza, much to crowd's dismay|date=June 10, 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=June 10, 2018|language=en-US}}

Gadelha faced Nina Ansaroff on December 8, 2018, at UFC 231.{{cite web|url=http://mmadna.nl/voormalig-titeluitdaagster-claudia-gadelha-treft-nina-ansaroff-tijdens-ufc-231-in-toronto/|title=Former title defender Claudia Gadelha meets Nina Ansaroff at UFC 231 in Toronto|publisher=mmadna.nl|author=Marcel Dorff|date=September 5, 2018|access-date=September 5, 2018|language=nl}} She lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-231-Prelims-Unranked-Nina-Ansaroff-Upsets-No-4-Strawweight-Claudia-Gadelha-146703|title=UFC 231 Prelims: Unranked Nina Ansaroff Upsets No. 4 Strawweight Claudia Gadelha|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=December 9, 2018}}

Gadelha faced Randa Markos on July 6, 2019, at UFC 239.{{Cite web|url=http://mmadna.nl/strawweightclash-tussen-claudia-gadelha-en-randa-markos-tijdens-ufc-239-in-las-vegas/|title=Strawweightclash tussen Claudia Gadelha en Randa Markos tijdens UFC 239 in Las Vegas|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=May 2019|language=en-US|access-date=May 1, 2019}} She won the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/07/06/ufc-239-results-gadelha-defeats-markos-in-lackluster-affair/|title=UFC 239 Results: Gadelha Defeats Markos In Lackluster Affair|last=Evanoff|first=Josh|date=July 6, 2019|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=July 7, 2019}}

Gadelha was scheduled to face Cynthia Calvillo on December 7, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 7.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/08/09/report-ladd-vs-kunitskaya-gadelha-vs-cavillo-planned-for-d-c/|title=UFC Washington D.C. Adds Aspen Ladd vs. Yana Kunitskaya, Claudia Gadelha vs. Cynthia Cavillo|last=Gonzalez|first=Gabriel|date=August 9, 2019|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=August 9, 2019}} However, on October 22, 2019, it was announced that Gadelha was forced to withdraw from the bout due to a torn ligament and a ruptured tendon in her ankle and was replaced by Marina Rodríguez.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc/claudia-gadelha-withdraws-from-cynthia-calvillo-fight-angela-hill-offers-to-fill-in/|title=Claudia Gadelha withdraws from Cynthia Calvillo fight, Angela Hill offers to fill in {{!}} BJPenn.com|last=Shelton|first=Cole|date=October 23, 2019|website={{!}} BJPenn.com|language=en-US|access-date=October 23, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/marina-rodriguez-vervangt-claudia-gadelha-tegen-cynthia-calvillo-tijdens-ufc-washington/|title=Marina Rodriguez replaces Claudia Gadelha against Cynthia Calvillo during UFC Washington|author=Redactie|date=October 23, 2019|publisher=mmadan.nl|access-date=October 24, 2019}}{{in lang|nl}}

Gadelha was scheduled to face Alexa Grasso on January 18, 2020, at UFC 246.{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/claudia-gadelha-treft-alexa-grasso-tijdens-ufc-246-in-las-vegas/|title=Claudia Gadelha treft Alexa Grasso tijdens UFC 246 in Las Vegas|date=December 13, 2019|language=en-US|access-date=December 13, 2019}} However, on the day of the weigh-ins, Grasso weighed in at 121.5, 5.5 pounds over the strawweight limit of 116 lbs. The NSAC decided to remove the fight because competitors are not allowed to compete if the weight between them is over 3 pounds.{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Alexander K. |title=Alexa Grasso misses weight for UFC 246 by over five pounds, bout with Claudia Gadelha canceled |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/1/17/21070716/alexa-grasso-misses-weight-for-ufc-246-by-over-five-pounds-bout-with-claudia-gadelha-canceled |website=MMAFighting.com |date=January 17, 2020 |access-date=January 17, 2020}}

Gadelha was expected to face Marina Rodriguez on May 2, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 174.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/2/12/21135122/claudia-gadelha-vs-marina-rodriguez-headed-to-ufc-oklahoma-city|title=Claudia Gadelha vs. Marina Rodriguez headed to UFC Oklahoma City|date=2020-02-12|website=mmafighting.com|author=MMA Fighting Newswire|access-date=2020-02-12}} However, on April 9, Dana White, the president of UFC announced that this event was postponed to a future date{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29018339/dana-white-says-ufc-249-not-happen-april-18|title=Dana White says UFC 249 will not happen April 18|work=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-09}} Instead Gadelha faced Angela Hill on May 16, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Harris.{{Cite web|title=UFC reveals full fight cards for May 13 and May 16 events|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/5/1/21244699/ufc-reveals-full-fight-cards-for-may-13-and-may-16-including-main-card-and-prelims|last=Martin|first=Damon|date=2020-05-01|website=MMA Fighting|language=en|access-date=2020-05-04}} She won the bout via split decision. 13 of 17 media outlets scored the fight in favor of Hill.{{Cite web|title=UFC on ESPN 8 results: Claudia Gadelha edges Angela Hill, calls for Carla Esparza rematch|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/05/ufc-on-espn-8-results-claudia-gadelha-edges-angela-hill-carla-esparza-rematch|date=2020-05-17|website=MMA Junkie|language=en|access-date=2020-05-17}}

Gadelha was scheduled to face Yan Xiaonan on September 26, 2020, at UFC 253,{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/platform/amp/2020/7/6/21315091/claudia-gadelha-yan-xiaonan-september-26-ufc-event/|title=Claudia Gadelha returns vs. Yan Xiaonan at Sept. 26 UFC event|work=MMAFighting.com|date=July 6, 2020|access-date=July 6, 2020|author=Guilherme Cruz}} but a knee injury sustained by Gadelha ruled her out of the bout.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-01|title= Knee injury forces Claudia Gadelha out of UFC 253 fight with Yan Xiaonan|url= https://www.mmafighting.com/platform/amp/2020/9/1/21410067/knee-injury-claudia-gadelha-out-ufc-253-fight-yan-xiaonan?__twitter_impression=true|access-date=2020-09-01|website=MMAfighting|author=Guilherme Cruz|language=en}} The pair was rescheduled to UFC on ESPN: Santos vs. Teixeira on November 7, 2020, instead.{{Cite web|last=Bissell|first=Tim|date=2020-09-05|title=Report: Claudia Gadelha vs. Yan Xiaonan being moved to Nov 7 UFC event|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2020/9/5/21423943/ufc-news-claudia-gadelha-yan-xiaonan-ufc-253-moved-nov-7-wmma-mma-news|access-date=2020-09-07|website=Bloody Elbow|language=en}} She lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|last=Vreeland|first=Daniel|date=2020-11-07|title=UFC Vegas 13 Results: Yan Xiaonan Jabs Away, Wins Decision Over Claudia Gadelha|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/11/07/ufc-vegas-13-results-yan-xiaonan/|access-date=2020-11-08|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}

On December 17, 2021, it was reported that Gadelha announced her retirement from competing in MMA professionally.{{Cite web|last=Cruz|first=Guilherme|date=2021-12-17|title=One-time strawweight title challenger Claudia Gadelha notifies UFC of retirement|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/12/17/22841862/one-time-strawweight-title-challenger-claudia-gadelha-notifies-ufc-of-retirement|access-date=2021-12-17|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}}

Gadelha oversees the business operations and matchmaking for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the UFC. .{{Cite web|last=Cruz|first=Guilherme|date=2022-01-19|title=Retired fighter Claudia Gadelha details new UFC job, wants to bring Performance Institute to Brazil|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/1/19/22890361/retired-fighter-claudia-gadelha-details-new-ufc-job-performance-institute-brazil|access-date=2022-01-20|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}}

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• Competed in and won the First Women's Strawweight fight in UFC History
• Fight of the Night (Two times) {{small|vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk 2 and Jéssica Andrade}}
• Performance of the Night (One time) {{small|vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz}}
• UFC.com Awards
• 2016: Ranked #6 Fight of the Year {{small|vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk 2}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/top-ten-best-fights-2016|title=Top Ten - The Best Fights of 2016|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 22, 2016|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• Women's MMA Awards
• 2013 Fan Favorite Fighter of the Year{{cite web|author=MarQ |url=https://wombatsports.wordpress.com/2014/01/02/wmma-press-awards-fan-favorite-promotion-and-sponsor-of-the-year-winners/ |title=WMMA Press Awards Fan Favorite; Promotion and Sponsor of the Year Winners | Wombat Sports |publisher=Wombatsports.wordpress.com |date=January 2, 2014 |access-date=March 20, 2016}}
• MMAjunkie.com
• 2016 July Fight of the Month vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/08/mmajunkies-fight-of-the-month-for-july-can-barnburners-from-sioux-falls-upset-joanna-champion|title=MMAjunkie's 'Fight of the Month' for July: Can barnburners from Sioux Falls upset Joanna 'Champion'?|date=August 4, 2016}}
• 2017 September Fight of the Month vs. Jéssica Andrade{{Cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/10/mmajunkie-fight-of-the-month-september-2017-jessica-andrade-claudia-gadelha|title = MMAjunkie's 'Fight of the Month' for September: A bloody, all-Brazil slugfest|date = October 3, 2017}}

{{MMArecordbox

|draws=

|nc=

|ko-wins=2

|sub-wins=7

|dec-wins=9

|dq-wins=

|other-wins=

|ko-losses=

|sub-losses=

|dec-losses=5

|dq-losses=

|other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|18–5

|Yan Xiaonan

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC on ESPN: Santos vs. Teixeira

|{{dts|2020|November|7}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|18–4

|Angela Hill

|Decision (split)

|UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Harris

|{{dts|2020|May|16}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Jacksonville, Florida, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|17–4

|Randa Markos

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 239

|{{dts|2019|July|6|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|16–4

|Nina Ansaroff

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 231

|{{dts|2018|December|8|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Toronto, Ontario, Canada

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|16–3

|Carla Esparza

|Decision (split)

|UFC 225

|{{dts|2018|June|9|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Chicago, Illinois, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|15–3

|Jéssica Andrade

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Saint Preux vs. Okami

|{{dts|2017|September|23|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Saitama, Japan

|{{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|15–2

|Karolina Kowalkiewicz

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC 212

|{{dts|2017|June|3|format=mdy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:03

|Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|14–2

|Cortney Casey

| Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Bader vs. Nogueira 2

|{{dts|2016|November|19|format=mdy}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 5:00

|São Paulo, Brazil

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|13–2

|Joanna Jędrzejczyk

|Decision (unanimous)

|The Ultimate Fighter: Team Joanna vs. Team Cláudia Finale

|{{dts|2016|July|8|format=mdy}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|For the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship. Fight of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|13–1

|Jessica Aguilar

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 190

|{{dts|2015|August|1|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

|{{small|UFC Women's Strawweight title eliminator.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center| 12–1

|Joanna Jędrzejczyk

|Decision (split)

|UFC on Fox: dos Santos vs. Miocic

|{{dts|2014|December|13|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Phoenix, Arizona, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 12–0

|Tina Lähdemäki

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Miller

|{{dts|2014|July|16|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 11–0

| Ayaka Hamasaki

| TKO (punches)

| Invicta FC 6: Coenen vs. Cyborg

| {{dts|2013|July|13|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|3:58

| Kansas City, Missouri, United States

| {{small|Invicta FC Strawweight title eliminator.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 10–0

| Hérica Tibúrcio

| Decision (unanimous)

| Max Sport 13.2

| {{dts|2013|May|11|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

| São Paulo, Brazil

| {{small|Catchweight (117 lb) bout.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 9–0

| Adriana Vieira

| TKO (punches)

| Shooto Brazil 34

| {{dts|2012|September|21|format=mdy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:35

| Brasília, Brazil

| {{small|Flyweight bout.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 8–0

| Valérie Létourneau

| Decision (split)

| Wreck MMA: Road to Glory

| {{dts|2012|April|20|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

| Gatineau, Quebec, Canada

| {{small|Catchweight (130 lb) bout.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 7–0

| Kalindra Faria

| Submission (armbar)

| Hard Fight Championship

| {{dts|2010|September|25|format=mdy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:10

| Piracicaba, Brazil

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 6–0

| Alessandra Silva

| Submission (armbar)

| Expo Fighting Championship: Day Two

| {{dts|2010|August|22|format=mdy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|N/A

| Sorocaba, Brazil

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 5–0

| Ariane Monteiro

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| Itu Fight Championship

| {{dts|2010|June|4|format=mdy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:08

| Itu, Brazil

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 4–0

| Davina Maciel

| Submission (armbar)

| Vision Fight 1

| {{dts|2009|December|20|format=mdy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:26

| Boa Vista, Brazil

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 3–0

| Aline Nery

| Decision (unanimous)

| Shooto Brazil 14

| {{dts|2009|November|28|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 2–0

| Juliana de Sousa

| Submission (armbar)

| Watch Out Combat Show 4

| {{dts|2009|June|25|format=mdy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:29

| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 1–0

| Elaine Leite

| Submission (armbar)

| Force Fighting Championship 1

| {{dts|2008|June|5|format=mdy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:17

| Aparecida, Brazil

|

|-

{{end}}

{{Cite web|title=Claudia|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Claudia-Gadelha-48404|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=2020-05-17}}

• List of female mixed martial artists

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{UFC|claudia-gadelha}}
• {{Sherdog|48404}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gadelha, Claudia}}

Category:1988 births

Category:Living people

Category:Brazilian female mixed martial artists

Category:Flyweight mixed martial artists

Category:Strawweight mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Brazilian practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Female Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners

Category:People from Mossoró

Category:People awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship female fighters

Category:Martial artists from Rio Grande do Norte

Category:21st-century Brazilian sportswomen