7 Fast Facts About Brazilian Rising Star Victoria Souza
Victoria Souza will soon put her well-rounded skill set to the test against Japanese judoka Itsuki “Android 18” Hirata in a pivotal clash at ONE 167 on Prime Video.
That matchup will broadcast live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s Impact Arena on Friday, June 7, and for the woman known as “Vick,” it will be her chance to announce herself as a contender to watch in the promotion’s talent-rich atomweight MMA division.
After a flawless run on the ultra-competitive Brazilian circuit, Souza has struggled to find consistency in the world’s largest martial arts organization. However, there is reason to believe that the 26-year-old has refined her game and could kick off a winning streak on the global stage.
Now, as she prepares for her battle with Hirata, fans around the globe are dying to know more about the Brazilian finisher. Here are seven fast facts about Souza.
#1 She Found Martial Arts By Accident
Despite her natural athleticism and prodigious talent for combat, Souza didn’t seek out martial arts on her own.
In her late teens, when she was overwhelmed with school and work, she found her way to a gym that had advertised Zumba classes. But when she arrived at the facility, “Vick” learned that the class was actually Muay Thai and not Zumba. Ultimately, she decided to try her hand at the striking art and quickly fell in love.
#2 She Left Behind A Career In Accounting
Following in her father’s footsteps, Souza holds a degree in accounting and, through early adulthood, had planned to become an accountant.
Luckily for fans, though, she found her true calling in martial arts and has built an impressive 7-2 professional MMA record. In addition, she owns a 78 percent finishing rate.
#3 She Has Competed In Both BJJ And Kickboxing
One of the division’s most well-rounded athletes, Souza has tested her skills in multiple combat sports.
Aside from participating in a number of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling tournaments, she is a three-time Brazilian Kickboxing Champion and a Pan-American Kickboxing Champion.
#4 She Loves Music
Whether it’s inside the training room or outside the gym walls, Souza is always listening to music of some kind.
With about 600 songs on her regular playlist, her tastes range from the traditional Brazilian folk music of pagode to rock, rap, and gospel.
#5 She’s a ‘Dorama’ Fanatic
Even though she doesn’t have much time to watch television while she’s in the depths of training camp, Souza tries to keep up with her favorite doramas – dramatic serial shows.
Her favorite doramas include the Thai action drama “Not Me,” as well as the romantic comedies “W: Two Worlds,” “I’m Not A Robot,” and “True Beauty.”
#6 She’s A Talent In The Kitchen
Souza’s skills extend beyond mixed martial arts.
The Brazilian loves to cook. She says that her two best dishes are strawberry cake and sweet and sour pork pancetta – treats that she’s sure to enjoy after her clash with Hirata at ONE 167.
#7 She’s Studying Dental Anatomy
Souza recently started studying dentistry, and she is enrolled in a Dental Anatomy and Sculpture class.
This means that when she’s not sharpening her Muay Thai and BJJ weapons in the gym, she’s often making wax sculptures of teeth – an activity that taps into her natural inclination for arts and crafts.
