Julia Polastri’s journey to the UFC has been one of persistence, determination, and hard work. The Brazilian fighter first stepped into Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2021, but unfortunately fell short against Jasmine Jasudavicius. However, she refused to let this defeat define her and instead used it as motivation to sharpen her skills and prove herself in other promotions.
Polastri’s passion for martial arts started at a young age, and she quickly fell in love with the sport. She trained tirelessly and competed in various amateur fights before turning professional in 2016. Her dedication and hard work paid off as she quickly made a name for herself in the Brazilian MMA scene.
In 2023, Polastri returned to DWCS, determined to earn her spot in the UFC. This time, she faced off against Patricia Alujas, and after a hard-fought battle, she emerged victorious, earning her long-awaited ticket to the UFC. This was a dream come true for Polastri, and she was ready to take on the biggest challenge of her career.
But behind every successful fighter, there is a strong support system, and for Polastri, that support comes from her husband and coach, Douglas Bastos. The two have been together for over a decade and have been through thick and thin together. Bastos has been instrumental in Polastri’s MMA journey, and his guidance and support have been crucial in her success.
Bastos himself is a highly accomplished fighter, with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a successful MMA career. He has also trained under some of the best coaches in the world, including the legendary Renzo Gracie. With his extensive knowledge and experience, Bastos has been able to guide Polastri to become a well-rounded fighter.
But their relationship goes beyond just coach and student. Polastri and Bastos are also husband and wife, and their love and support for each other are evident in everything they do. They have a strong bond and share a passion for martial arts, making them the perfect team.
In an interview, Polastri spoke about her relationship with Bastos, saying, “He is not just my coach, but he is also my best friend and my biggest supporter. We have been through everything together, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.”
Bastos also shared his thoughts on coaching his wife, saying, “It’s a unique experience to train and coach someone you love. But I believe our relationship gives us an advantage in the gym. We understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses and know how to push each other to be the best we can be.”
Together, Polastri and Bastos make a formidable team, and their bond and mutual respect have been crucial in Polastri’s success. In 2024, just a year after earning her spot in the UFC, Polastri’s persistence paid off as she made her debut in the organization.
Her first fight was against a tough opponent, but Polastri showed no signs of nerves and dominated her opponent to earn a unanimous decision victory. This win marked the beginning of what promises to be a successful career in the UFC for Polastri.
In just a short time, Polastri has become a fan favorite, with her impressive skills and never-give-up attitude. She has proven that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Her journey is an inspiration to aspiring fighters and a reminder that success is not achieved overnight.
As for her husband and coach, Bastos continues to be by her side, supporting and guiding her every step of the way. Together, they are a force to be reckoned with, and the future looks bright for this power couple.
In conclusion, Julia Polastri’s journey to the UFC is a testament to her resilience and determination. With the unwavering support of her husband and coach, Douglas Bastos, she has overcome challenges and proven herself as a top fighter in the UFC. Her story is a reminder that with hard work, passion, and a strong support system, anything is possible. And as she continues to make her mark in the UFC, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented fighter.