When Elora Dana steps into the cage to compete, she is fueled by the difficult experiences of her past and a strong conviction that the sport will pave the way for a better future.
Before her second overseas bout in the PFL, scheduled against Liz Carmouche in the semifinals of the 2025 flyweight tournament, the undefeated Brazilian sensation and former Jungle Fight champion discussed her numerous challenges in an interview.
Dana became an orphan at age 11 after her mother passed away from cancer. Despite having eight siblings in her small hometown of Tefé, Brazil, located hundreds of miles from Manaus, she was left neglected by her family.
My older brother left me by myself in the place we lived with our mom and went to live with our uncle someplace else. He never really liked me. I had to do everything at home, like do the laundry, clean the house, make breakfast and lunch. I had to do everything. And I still had to take care of my younger brother. And he’d leave me starve when I didn’t do something because I was tired.
Dana estimates she was left completely alone around the age of 12 and frequently had nothing to eat. Their living situation lacked electricity, featuring only a single bed and a small cabinet – a memory that continues to haunt her.
I still remember going back home at night and being afraid of the dark. I would talk to God, ‘Please, protect me from everything. Take me from this situation. Help me. Change my life. I don’t know how the future will be, but be in control. Guide me. Protect me. Give me an opportunity to make my dreams come true and change my life so i don’t have to depend on other people.’
At nine years old, already involved in street fights, she was introduced to grappling classes by her cousin`s husband. Dana displayed natural fearlessness and talent, leading the coach to train her for free. She felt that fighting was her calling and would one day be her salvation.
Years later, Dana now lives in Manaus, focused on achieving the same level of MMA success in the United States. The $500,000 prize for winning the PFL flyweight tournament represents a truly life-changing amount, and Dana is faithful that she will secure it. She earned her spot in the semifinals by defeating Diana Avsaragova in her PFL debut in April.
When I’m in a fight, it’s like I watch a movie inside my head of everything I went through. God, I don’t want to go back to that place. I want to be champion. I want to win. I want to earn my money. Sadly, this is the only thing I’ve set out to do. 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.
She added, reflecting on her journey:
It was quite hard. Despite all the difficulties I’ve had in my childhood, I always had a goal in my life. I wanted a good life, a house, and something to eat. Being in the PFL has been awesome, it’s extraordinary. Being here is a dream for me. I always believe my time would come, that God would bless me one day. It was a hard road, but thank God we’ve made it. I’m in one of the world’s biggest promotions, and it’s surreal to me. I never expected it to happen, but here I am thanks to my hard work and courage.
Percy Harlow