Elora Dana’s Rise: From Orphaned Survivor to PFL Contender Chasing Championship Glory

Elora Dana’s journey to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) is not just one of athletic pursuit, but of profound personal triumph. The undefeated Brazilian flyweight has overcome unimaginable adversity in her quest for a better life, and now she finds herself just one win away from the finals of the 2025 PFL flyweight tournament, set to face Liz Carmouche in the semifinal bout this Friday in Wichita.

Dana’s resolve stems from a tragic and traumatic past. Orphaned at just 11 years old after her mother succumbed to cancer, Dana was left to fend for herself. Despite having eight siblings, she was effectively abandoned. Her older brother left her alone in their home in Tefé, a remote town deep in the Amazon, and moved away to live with extended family.

“He never really liked me. I had to do everything at home… And he’d leave me starve when I didn’t do something because I was tired,” Dana revealed.

By age 12, she lived alone without electricity, barely any food, and only a small bed and cabinet in her home. These experiences created deep scars but also instilled a strong sense of resilience. Dana recounted how her nights were filled with fear and prayer.

"I would talk to God, ‘Please, protect me from everything. Take me from this situation… Give me an opportunity to make my dreams come true and change my life so I don’t have to depend on other people.’"

Her path to MMA began when she was just nine. Frequently involved in street fights, she was introduced to grappling by her cousin’s husband. Her talent stood out early, and soon she was training for free under a local coach who recognized her potential. This was a turning point — not just in her athletic career, but in her life’s trajectory.

Today, Dana resides in Manaus and is one of Brazil’s brightest prospects, having previously held the Jungle Fight flyweight title. Her faith remains the cornerstone of her mindset.

"When I’m in a fight, it’s like I watch a movie inside my head of everything I went through… I’m in that cage, but I’m praying the whole time, asking for guidance and wisdom. I am nothing, God is everything in my life."

Dana’s debut in the PFL came in April, where she defeated Diana Avsaragova to advance in the tournament. Now just two wins away from the $500,000 championship prize, she continues to fight for a future far removed from the darkness of her past.

“It was quite hard. Despite all the difficulties I’ve had in my childhood, I always had a goal in my life,” Dana said. “I never expected it to happen, but here I am thanks to my hard work and courage.”