Bia Mesquita is one of the best grapplers in the world today, and could be the next jiu-jitsu star to make her transition to mixed martial arts.
Winner of seven IBJJF world titles, three as a black belt, Mesquita, who competes around 140 pounds in jiu-jitsu, stole the show Saturday night in Rio de Janeiro, submitting rising MMA prospect — and fellow grappling ace — Mackenzie Dern at the Rio Falls absolute final.
"I thought the match would be a bit tougher,” Mesquita, who faced Dern for the first time in a jiu-jitsu match, told MMA Fighting after winning the match in just 64 seconds.