Shanelle Dyer, the 24-year-old London-born mixed martial artist with Nigerian heritage, has earned a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is set to make a notable appearance at UFC London on March 21, 2026 at the O2 Arena in London, England — a major moment for Nigerian fans of MMA around the world.
Originally rising through the ranks in European regional promotions and later on Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS), Dyer impressed scouts and UFC officials with her dynamic fighting style and exciting performances in front of UFC President Dana White. Despite losing a competitive fight against Carol Foro at DWCS Season 9, Week 5, Dyer nevertheless secured a UFC contract thanks to her electrifying showing, an outcome confirmed by UFC sources.
Fight Details
- Event: UFC Fight Night 270 — UFC London
- Date: March 21, 2026
- Venue: O2 Arena, London, England — one of the sport’s most iconic stages.
- Opponent: Ravena Oliveira — a seasoned strawweight competitor with a professional record featuring several knockout wins.
This matchup places Dyer in a high-profile spotlight as she prepares to make her Octagon debut in front of a passionate crowd in the UK capital. Her fight will be part of a larger UFC London card — one of the most anticipated international stops on the UFC’s 2026 calendar.
Background: Heritage and Journey
Born and raised in London, Dyer has embraced her Nigerian roots alongside her British upbringing, often cited in media and fan coverage as a fighter with connection to Nigeria. Her journey into combat sports began early, first in Muay Thai and eventually expanding to MMA; where her striking prowess quickly became her trademark.
Before joining the UFC roster, Dyer built a reputation across multiple fight promotions, known for her heavy hands, sharp kick striking, and explosive finishes achievements that contributed to her signing with the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization.
Dyer’s ascent to the UFC stage represents a significant moment for fighters of Nigerian descent in international MMA. With her debut set for March 21, fans will be watching closely to see how Dyer performs in her first official UFC outing; with hopes that a strong performance could launch her toward future title contention.