Bea Malecki (born August 23, 1991) is a Swedish mixed martial artist who competes in the Bantamweight division. A professional since 2017, she is most notable for her time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Background
Malecki's parents came to Sweden when they were about 30 years old, with Malecki speaking Polish at home.[2] Bea Malecki was 19 years old when she tested martial arts for the first time. As a Thai boxer, she won the Swedish Championships, the European Championships and the World Cup.[3][4]
Malecki made her amateur debut against Helin Paara at International Ring Fight Arena 12.[6] She won the fight by a second-round technical knockout.[7]
Malecki made her professional debut against Faith Davis, for the inaugural for the ExciteFight MMA Featherweight title, at ExciteFight Conquest of the Cage on November 4, 2017. Malecki won the fight by a first-round submission.[8]
Malecki was scheduled to fight the debuting Tracy Smith at Conquest of the Cage on February 2, 2018. Malecki won the fight by a technical knockout, stopping her opponent after just 22 seconds.[9]
On July 11, 2018, it was revealed that Malecki would be one of the fighters featured on The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters.[10] She was the sixth pick for Team Gastelum.[11] Malecki lost the quarterfinal bout against Leah Letson by unanimous decision.[12]
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Malecki made her promotional debut against Duda Santana at UFC Fight Night: Gustafsson vs. Smith on June 1, 2019.[13] She won the fight via second-round submission. Following this loss, Duda tested positive for ligandrol in an out-of-competition test.[14]
Malecki was expected to face Tracy Cortez at UFC Fight Night 179 on October 11, 2020.[17] However, Malecki withdrew from the bout and was replaced by Stephanie Egger.[18]
Malecki was then scheduled to face Norma Dumont at UFC on ABC 2 on April 10, 2021. However, she withdrew from the bout due to a undisclosed reason and was replaced by Erin Blanchfield.[19]
On June 8, 2023, it was announced that Malecki was no longer on the UFC roster after she indicated she wanted to move up in weight but UFC conveyed they were no longer interested in having a Women's Featherweight division.[22]
Championships and accomplishments
Muay Thai
2016: Muay Thai Boxing World Cup - 1st place in the -67 kg category (Jönköping)[4]