While American Top Team coach Marcos “Parrumpa” Da Matta doesn’t want to rush things, he expects Beatriz Mesquita to climb up the rankings soon.
Mesquita (6-0) made her Ultimate Fighting Championship debut in Rio de Janeiro last weekend against Irina Alekseeva. “Bia” dominated Alekseeva on the ground before submitting her to earn an extra $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus. Having helped Mesquita transition to mixed martial arts from jiu-jitsu, Da Matta expected no less from her. “Parrumpa” says Mesquita was humble enough to start as a beginner in a new sport despite being a multiple-time IBJJF gold medalist.