Cynthia Maria, 28, runs whit the guidance of her master on the Penha church staircase as part of MMA training in the favela. In July 23, 2019, at the Penha slum complex Rio de Janeiro.

Cynthia Maria, 28, does a Muay Thai training with her master in the favela. In July 23, 2019, at the Penha slum complex Rio de Janeiro.

Cynthia Maria, 28, has fun with a slum resident during a break from one of her workouts. In July 23, 2019, at the Penha slum complex Rio de Janeiro.

Cynthia Maria, 28, runs whit the guidance of her master on the Penha church staircase as part of MMA training in the favela. In July 23, 2019, at the Penha slum complex Rio de Janeiro.

Cynthia Maria, 28, during a physical training and preparation for her first professional fight, in July 25, 2019, in the Penha slum complex, Rio de Janeiro.

Cynthia Maria faces her 18-year-old opponent, Aieza Bertolso, in an amateur fight, in an event known as Favela Kombat (Slum Kombat), in Rio de Janeiro, on August 17, 2019.

Cynthia Maria faces her 18-year-old opponent, Aieza Bertolso, in an amateur fight, in an event known as Favela Kombat (Slum Kombat), in Rio de Janeiro, on August 17, 2019.

Cynthia Maria cries and is comforted by her team after losing a fight to Aieza Bertolso at the event known as Favela Kombat (Slum Kombat). In Rio de Janeiro, on August 17, 2019.

Cynthia Maria, 28, before bed looks at her cell phone after a day of intense training. She sleeps in a makeshift gym in the slum. In July 25, 2019, at the Penha slum complex Rio de Janeiro.