UFC Perth kicked off with an unexpected jolt, not just from the early morning local start time, but from the electrifying performance of rising star Alexia Thainara. In a sport often defined by dramatic knockouts, Thainara delivered a calculated, dominant grappling masterclass, emphatically announcing her arrival to the upper echelons of the women`s strawweight division.
The Unlikely Dawn of a New Contender
While most of Perth was still contemplating their first coffee, the RAC Arena was already buzzing for the preliminary card of UFC Fight Night. And for those dedicated enough to rise with the sun, they were treated to a spectacle. The bout featured Brazil`s burgeoning talent, Alexia Thainara, facing off against the seasoned #14-ranked Thai contender, Loma Lookboonmee. This wasn`t merely Thainara`s second foray into the UFC octagon; it was a profound declaration of intent, coming off a decisive submission victory over Molly McCann in her debut earlier this year.
A Grappling Clinic: Dominance From Bell to Bell
From the moment the first bell rang, Thainara exhibited a strategic brilliance that belied her relative inexperience in the UFC. Instead of engaging in a stand-up war, she systematically dismantled Lookboonmee with a relentless wrestling assault. Across three grueling rounds, Thainara scored a remarkable five takedowns, meticulously accumulating over ten minutes of control time. This wasn`t a scramble; it was a deliberate, almost surgical, process of removing her opponent`s offensive capabilities. One might even say she “rearranged” Lookboonmee`s fight plan, transforming a potential striking battle into a ground-based tutorial.
The Brazilian’s performance was a gritty display of mixed martial arts acumen. Beyond the sheer number of takedowns, Thainara applied suffocating pressure, incorporating impactful ground and pound, precise 12-6 elbows, and even an audacious can opener submission attempt towards the end of the first round. While Lookboonmee, a fighter known for her resilience, managed to survive to the final bell, the outcome was never truly in doubt. All three judges rendered a unanimous decision in favor of Thainara, a testament to her comprehensive control.
Champion`s Nod: Earning Respect Where It Matters
The impact of Thainara`s dominant display resonated far beyond the confines of the octagon. UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili, himself a wrestling powerhouse and ranked #3 pound-for-pound in the world, took notice. His public endorsement served as a powerful validation of Thainara`s skill set.
“I am very impressed how @Alle_Thainara using her wrestling and fight IQ against [experienced] fighter Loma,” Dvalishvili lauded, highlighting the technical proficiency and strategic depth Thainara brought to the cage.
For a fighter with only two UFC appearances to earn such high praise from a champion of Dvalishvili`s caliber is a rare feat. It underscores the profound impression Thainara made, demonstrating a level of wrestling and fight intelligence typically seen in more seasoned veterans.
The Road Ahead: A Number Next to Her Name
With this commanding victory, Alexia Thainara has not only stamped her authority on the women`s strawweight division but has also earned herself a coveted spot in the official rankings. Her relentless pressure, exceptional grappling, and undeniable fight IQ suggest she is not merely a prospect but a legitimate contender. The early morning fight in Perth was more than just another preliminary bout; it was the definitive stepping stone for a fighter poised to shake up the division and perhaps, one day, challenge for gold. The UFC`s strawweight division just got a lot more interesting.
