Carnelossi enjoyed soccer in her youth, having to give that up after struggling to find time between physical education college and working in a restaurant. When a muay Thai school opened right across the street from home, she immediately fell in love with martial arts. After so much time spent learning the art, Carnelossi's trainer told her how much she stood out and urged her to enter into a tournament. Eventually, this led to taking up jiu-jitsu and blending everything together in MMA, and debuting at age 21 in 2014 – coincidentally enough against fellow future UFC fighter Amanda Ribas.[2][3]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
After suffering a loss in her MMA debut against Amanda Ribas at Pentagon Combat 20, Carnelossi went on a 12 bout winning streak, winning 9 of 12 via stoppage. In the process, she also captured the Batalha MMA Strawweight Championship.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Carnelossi, as a replacement for Istela Nunes, faced Angela Hill on September 21, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Rodríguez vs. Stephens.[4] Carnelossi lost the fight via TKO due to a doctor's stoppage in the third round after an elbow cut Carnelossi over the left eye and rendered her unable to continue.[5]
After more than two years away due to having surgery for Carnelossi faced Na Liang on April 24, 2021, at UFC 261. She defeated her via ground and pound TKO in the second round.[6]
After her first UFC victory, it was revealed that Carnelossi suffered a slipped disc, the same injury on which she had surgery on in 2020, and UFC PI director of physical therapy Dr. Heather Linden had allowed her to fight with the injury. The pain however returned after the bout and she had surgery on it.[7]
Carnelossi faced Piera Rodriguez on May 18, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 241.[12] Carnelossi won the fight after Rodriguez was disqualified as a result of an illegal headbutt.[13]
