Recent UFC Signee Julia Polastri Sells Truffles to Help Make Ends Meet

Julia Polastri is intent on making her mark in the mixed martial arts world.

Hailing from the Gramacho neighborhood in the municipality of Duque de Caxias, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Polastri has not only captured titles in significant national events but has also become the latest signing for the UFC through Dana White's Contender Series, fulfilling a dream that has been rooted in her heart since the beginning of her career.

Polastri's journey is marked by determination, sacrifice and a passion for MMA. She started her career in muay thai and quickly transitioned to MMA with a clear goal: to fight in the UFC, the largest MMA organization in the world. Over the years, Polastri worked tirelessly to achieve her dream.

Today, Polastri boasts an impressive record of 12-3 in her MMA career. One of those losses occurred in her first appearance on the Contender Series, but she didn't let it deter her. Polastri continued to train diligently, and after three consecutive wins, including winning the belt for Legacy Fighting Alliance, she received the long-awaited call from Dana White.

However, the path to the UFC was not easy for Polastri. She faced the challenges of being a high-performance athlete in Brazil, where the costs associated with training and maintaining her career are high. That's when Polastri had a unique idea to supplement her income: selling truffles on the trains in Rio de Janeiro.

Every Saturday, Polastri starts her day early on the Saracuruna line, carrying truffles made by her coach and boyfriend, Douglas Bastos. The sale of truffles has become a crucial source of financial support for the fighter, allowing her to maintain her independence and focus on her MMA career.

"Today, I can sustain my life with truffles — rent, electricity, and water,” she said. “We split between the truffles and the money the gym makes from classes, and thankfully, it's what has been supporting us and, most importantly, funding an athlete's life without lacking anything for me.”

Signing with the UFC is a milestone in Polastri's career, and she is determined to give her best in every fight.

"Certainly, I feel a dream come true, and now I have to give my best every time I step into the octagon,” she said. “We are working hard so that I don't disappoint, and with every fight, I improve more and more. My direct focus has always been the UFC, and now I don't want to leave.”