Who Is Carol Foro? Meet ‘Anabelle,’ the Brazilian Knockout Artist Rising in the UFC

Foro has since carried that aggression into MMA, where six of her 10 professional victories have come by knockout or TKO. After earning a UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series and enduring a frustrating wait for her official debut, she finally entered the Octagon in August 2026.

She left with another victory.

Carol Foro now owns a 10-1 professional MMA record and an eight-fight winning streak.

Carol Foro Fighter Information

Who Is Carol Foro?

Carol “Anabelle” Foro is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC women’s strawweight division.

Born in Pará, Brazil, Foro later moved to Brasília, where much of her combat sports development took place.

Her martial arts journey started extremely early.

Karate came first when she was around six or seven years old. However, access to formal training was not always easy for her family.

Foro recalled that her older brother was initially the only sibling who could afford to attend a martial arts academy. Once he came home, the rest of the family would practice what he had learned.

Without enough gloves to go around, they sometimes wrapped towels around their hands and trained together.

Eventually, Foro found proper gyms, developed her striking and began building the skill set that would take her into professional MMA.

Where Is Carol Foro From?

Carol Foro was born in Abaetetuba, Pará, Brazil.

She left Pará while still young and relocated to Brasília.

Although much of her fighting career developed in Brazil’s capital, Foro remains strongly connected to her roots.

During an interview after traveling to the United States, she made it clear that she enjoyed experiencing another country but still considered herself deeply Brazilian.

Brasília eventually became the place where her combat sports career accelerated.

There, she continued improving her striking, found the coaching team that believed she could reach the UFC and developed into a professional strawweight.

How Did Carol Foro Start Martial Arts?

Foro began martial arts at approximately six or seven years old, starting with karate.

Fighting was also part of her family environment.

She has two brothers who pursued combat sports as well, with one involved in boxing and another in kickboxing.

As a result, striking became something Foro was exposed to both inside and outside formal training.

After moving from Pará to Brasília, she continued practicing with her brothers before gradually finding better opportunities to train in gyms.

Over time, one thing became obvious.

Foro loved striking.

Rather than immediately developing as a grappling-heavy MMA fighter, she initially wanted to focus almost entirely on stand-up fighting.

Karate, kickboxing and boxing ultimately became the foundation of her style.

Who Does Carol Foro Train With?

Carol Foro is affiliated with RPlay Thai and has trained in Brasília with the group surrounding Martial 81.

Her training has included multiple striking disciplines.

In an interview after earning her UFC contract, Foro described working with RPlay, boxing and karate coaches as part of her preparation.

One of the most important figures in her career has been Coach Roger.

Foro has credited Roger with believing in her UFC potential and helping turn that belief into an actual career path.

She explained that plenty of people had told her she was talented enough to reach the UFC. Roger, however, was the person who did more than talk about it.

He helped her get there.

When discussing advice for young fighters, Foro specifically pointed to the importance of finding the right people and described Roger as the person who made the biggest difference in her own career.

What Is Carol Foro Known For?

Carol Foro is best known for her aggressive striking and unusual knockout power for the women’s strawweight division.

Six of her 10 professional victories have come by knockout or TKO.

More impressively, several of those finishes arrived during the run that eventually carried her into the UFC.

Her finishing methods have included punches, body shots and even a spinning back kick to the body.

That variety makes Foro more dangerous than a fighter simply looking for one big right hand.

She attacks different targets and is comfortable creating damage with both punches and kicks.

Her knockout percentage also stands out at 115 pounds, where fights frequently reach the judges’ scorecards.

Foro has built much of her reputation by doing the opposite.

What Is Carol Foro’s Fighting Style?

Carol Foro is primarily a striker with roots in karate, kickboxing and boxing.

She prefers action.

Before her UFC debut, Foro described her style as entertaining and said she dislikes fights that become stagnant. Instead, she wants to bring emotion and adrenaline into the Octagon.

That mindset is easy to see in her professional record.

Foro pressures opponents, attacks the body and carries meaningful power in her hands.

At the same time, karate adds another layer.

One of the clearest examples came against Marina Nica in July 2024, when Foro earned a first-round TKO after landing a spinning back kick to the body.

However, her game is no longer built purely around striking.

Foro has continued developing the other areas required for MMA, while her lone professional submission victory shows she can also capitalize on opportunities on the ground.

Still, striking remains the centerpiece.

Why Is Carol Foro Called “Anabelle”?

Carol Foro competes under the nickname “Anabelle.”

However, the sources provided do not clearly explain how the nickname originated.

Rather than inventing a story behind it, it is more accurate to say that “Anabelle” has become Foro’s established fighting nickname throughout her professional MMA career.

What Is Carol Foro’s MMA Record?

Carol Foro holds a professional MMA record of 10 wins and 1 loss.

Her 10 victories include:

• 6 wins by KO/TKO
• 1 win by submission
• 3 wins by decision

Her only professional defeat came against Beatriz Consuli Diniz by split decision at LFA 175 in January 2024.

That loss became a turning point.

Foro has not lost since.

Instead, she put together an eight-fight winning streak, eventually reaching Dana White’s Contender Series and the UFC.

How Did Carol Foro Respond to Her First MMA Loss?

Foro’s only professional defeat came early enough in her career to become an important lesson.

Beatriz Consuli Diniz defeated her by split decision in January 2024.

Afterward, Foro changed the way she viewed opponents and the attention surrounding them.

She later explained that media coverage can sometimes make fighters appear much more intimidating than they actually feel once the cage door closes.

That realization helped sharpen her mentality.

Rather than focusing heavily on an opponent’s reputation, Foro learned to trust what she and her coaches could actually prepare for in the gym.

The response was emphatic.

Her next several fights ended with stoppages.

How Did Carol Foro Build Her Knockout Streak?

After suffering her first professional loss, Foro went on the most destructive stretch of her MMA career.

She stopped Patricia do Nascimento Pereira with punches in May 2024.

Only one week later, she defeated Regiane Silva by first-round TKO.

Two months after that, Marina Nica fell to a spinning back kick to the body.

Foro then stopped Dayane Mestrinha with another body attack in November 2024 before finishing Zulfiya Kurbashova in January 2025.

Her run continued against Sofia Esquer in March 2025.

That fight lasted just 90 seconds before Foro earned another knockout with punches.

Suddenly, a fighter whose early record featured a mixture of decisions and submissions had become one of the more dangerous finishers on Brazil’s regional scene.

How Did Carol Foro Get on Dana White’s Contender Series?

Foro’s knockout run eventually earned her an opportunity on Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2025.

She faced Shanelle Dyer.

Unlike many of Foro’s previous fights, this one did not end with a knockout.

Instead, the Brazilian went all three rounds and earned a unanimous-decision victory.

Foro was disappointed that she had not produced the type of performance she wanted.

Part of the problem was physical.

She explained that she injured her hand during the fight after landing a hard punch. As the bout progressed, the injury limited how freely she could throw.

Still, she continued fighting.

The performance impressed Dana White enough to earn her a UFC contract.

Foro’s team later recalled that White personally approached them after the fight and praised what he had seen.

Why Did Carol Foro Have to Wait for Her UFC Debut?

Winning a UFC contract did not immediately put Carol Foro inside the Octagon.

After her September 2025 appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series, her official UFC debut was delayed.

Foro later referred to a suspension issue that kept her waiting longer than expected.

The delay was frustrating.

However, she continued treating MMA as her job.

Instead of stopping or losing focus, Foro kept training until another opportunity arrived.

That opportunity finally came in August 2026.

Who Did Carol Foro Fight in Her UFC Debut?

Carol Foro made her official UFC debut against Gigi Canuto on August 8, 2026.

It was an interesting stylistic matchup.

Foro entered with a reputation for dangerous striking and knockout power.

Canuto, meanwhile, was known as a highly accomplished Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist with five submission victories.

Before the matchup, Foro acknowledged how dangerous Canuto was on the ground.

Still, she believed the fight suited her.

Once they entered the Octagon, the contest developed into a competitive three-round battle.

What Happened in Carol Foro’s UFC Debut?

Carol Foro defeated Gigi Canuto by unanimous decision in her UFC debut.

All three judges scored the fight 29-28.

The victory extended Foro’s professional winning streak to eight fights and improved her overall record to 10-1.

Canuto presented a difficult challenge.

After the fight, Foro called her the most technically skilled opponent she had faced to that point.

Nevertheless, Foro was able to withstand the grappling threat and consistently make the fight competitive in the striking exchanges.

Her power also showed itself.

During the bout, Foro landed a punch that cut and dropped Canuto. Unfortunately, she also injured her hand on the strike.

Even with the injury, she continued for the remainder of the fight and secured the decision.

What Did Carol Foro Say After Her UFC Debut?

Foro’s reaction to winning her UFC debut revealed something important about her mentality.

She was happy, but she was not satisfied.

Instead of celebrating as though reaching the UFC represented the end of her journey, Foro immediately spoke about gaining experience and continuing to improve.

She also said she wanted to put on exciting fights for the fans.

Canuto earned her respect as well.

Foro described her as extremely technical and acknowledged the level of difficulty she presented.

Still, the Brazilian newcomer walked away with the victory.

Why Is Carol Foro’s Knockout Power Unusual at Strawweight?

Six knockouts in 10 professional victories immediately separate Foro from many fighters competing at 115 pounds.

Women’s strawweight is traditionally a division where speed, volume, technique and decisions are common.

Foro brings something different.

Her punches have enough force to visibly hurt opponents, while her body attacks have already produced multiple stoppages.

More importantly, the power is not limited to one weapon.

She has finished opponents with punches to the head, body punches and spinning attacks.

Therefore, opponents cannot simply protect one target.

Foro’s karate and kickboxing background gives her multiple ways to deliver damaging strikes.

What Does Carol Foro Want to Bring to the UFC?

Excitement.

That was one of Foro’s clearest messages before her debut.

She does not like stagnant fights and wants her appearances to carry energy and aggression.

Foro believes that style can bring something different to the UFC women’s strawweight division.

Her record certainly supports the idea.

Even before reaching the promotion, she had already built a reputation around fast starts and finishes.

Six of her professional wins have come in the first round.

For a fighter competing in one of the UFC’s lightest divisions, that ability to change a fight quickly makes her particularly interesting.

What Are Carol Foro’s UFC Goals?

Foro wants more than simply a place on the UFC roster.

Her immediate goal is to establish herself inside the organization and continue fighting regularly.

Long term, that means climbing the strawweight division and building a recognizable name.

After earning her contract, Foro spoke about wanting multiple fights and remaining ready for whoever accepted the matchup.

The attitude reflects the same mentality that helped her reach the UFC.

Keep training, remain consistent and take opportunities when they arrive.

What Motivates Carol Foro?

Family and team are central to Foro’s motivation.

She rarely talks about fighting as an individual journey.

Instead, she regularly credits the people around her.

Her brothers helped introduce fighting into her life. Her coaches developed her skills. Meanwhile, the people around her training camp gave her the support needed to turn talent into a professional career.

Foro has said that having thousands of people believing in you matters less than having the right person beside you who actually helps make a difference.

For her, Coach Roger became that person.

Her goal is therefore bigger than personal success.

Foro has spoken about wanting fighting to change the lives of her family and team as well.

Why Does Carol Foro Stand Out?

Carol Foro stands out because she brings a combination the UFC strawweight division can always use: speed, technical striking and genuine finishing power.

Her karate background gives her variety.

Kickboxing adds another layer to the stand-up game.

Boxing gives her the hands to hurt opponents at close range.

Most importantly, Foro has demonstrated that the power works against professional competition.

Six knockouts are difficult to ignore.

The story behind those finishes also makes her rise interesting.

Foro did not grow up with unlimited access to elite gyms. She practiced with siblings, wrapped towels around her hands when gloves were unavailable and gradually worked her way toward better training.

Then came the regional scene, the loss, the knockout streak, Contender Series and finally the UFC.

Now that she is there, “Anabelle” has already started winning.

Carol Foro FAQs

Who is Carol Foro?

Carol “Anabelle” Foro is a Brazilian professional MMA fighter who competes in the UFC women’s strawweight division.

What is Carol Foro’s real name?

Her full name is Caroline Foro Antunes.

What is Carol Foro’s nickname?

Carol Foro’s nickname is “Anabelle.”

How old is Carol Foro?

Carol Foro was born on March 21, 1997. She is 29 years old.

Where was Carol Foro born?

Foro was born in Abaetetuba, Pará, Brazil.

Is Carol Foro Brazilian?

Yes. Carol Foro is Brazilian and later moved from Pará to Brasília.

How tall is Carol Foro?

Foro is listed at 5-foot-2, or approximately 157 cm.

What is Carol Foro’s reach?

Carol Foro has a listed reach of 61.5 inches, or approximately 156 cm.

What weight class does Carol Foro fight in?

She competes in the UFC women’s strawweight division.

What is Carol Foro’s MMA record?

Carol Foro has a professional MMA record of 10-1.

How many knockouts does Carol Foro have?

Six of Foro’s 10 professional victories have come by knockout or TKO.

What is Carol Foro’s winning streak?

Carol Foro has won eight consecutive professional MMA fights.

What is Carol Foro’s fighting style?

Foro is primarily a striker with a foundation in karate, kickboxing and boxing.

When did Carol Foro start martial arts?

She began karate at around six or seven years old.

Who does Carol Foro train with?

Carol Foro is affiliated with RPlay Thai and trains in Brasília.

Who is Carol Foro’s coach?

One of the central coaches in Foro’s career is Coach Roger, whom she has credited with helping her reach the UFC.

Did Carol Foro fight on Dana White’s Contender Series?

Yes. Foro defeated Shanelle Dyer by unanimous decision on Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2025 and earned a UFC contract.

Who did Carol Foro fight in her UFC debut?

Carol Foro faced Gigi Canuto on August 8, 2026.

Did Carol Foro win her UFC debut?

Yes. Foro defeated Gigi Canuto by unanimous decision.

What is Carol Foro’s Instagram?

You can find Carol Foro on Instagram @carolforoufc