Perth, Western Australia – While most of Perth was still enjoying the final whispers of dawn, the RAC Arena was already buzzing with the raw energy of professional mixed martial arts. Kicking off the UFC Perth Fight Night card at an unconventional 7 AM local time, Brazilian phenom Alexia Thainara delivered a performance so utterly dominant it left no doubt: a new contender is rapidly ascending in the women`s strawweight division.
Thainara, who burst onto the UFC scene earlier this year with a submission victory over fan-favorite Molly McCann, faced her toughest challenge yet in the seasoned, #14-ranked Loma Lookboonmee. Lookboonmee, known for her striking prowess and resilience, arrived in Perth riding an impressive four-fight win streak. Yet, from the opening bell, it became clear that Thainara had a very specific, grapple-heavy blueprint for victory.
A Masterclass in Ground Control
For three unrelenting rounds, Thainara systematically dismantled her opponent. Her wrestling was nothing short of relentless, securing five significant takedowns and accumulating a staggering ten minutes of control time. This wasn`t merely about taking the fight to the ground; it was about suffocating Lookboonmee, negating her offensive threats, and applying constant, crushing pressure. The visual of Thainara effortlessly “rag-dolling” a ranked opponent became a defining image of the early prelims, a stark demonstration of superior grappling technique.
The Brazilian prospect didn`t just control; she attacked. A flurry of ground and pound, precision 12-6 elbows, and even a bold can opener attempt in the first round showcased a complete, aggressive grappling game designed to inflict damage and break her opponent`s will. While Lookboonmee`s toughness ensured she saw the final bell, the outcome was never truly in doubt. All three judges rendered a unanimous decision in favor of Thainara, extending her remarkable professional win streak to eleven consecutive victories.
Praise from a Champion
The impact of such a comprehensive performance resonated beyond the octagon. UFC Bantamweight Champion and one of the sport`s most lauded grapplers, Merab Dvalishvili, took to social media to commend Thainara`s efforts. “I am very impressed how @Alle_Thainara using her wrestling and fight IQ against [experienced] fighter Loma,” Dvalishvili tweeted, offering a significant endorsement from a top-tier fighter known for his own grappling dominance.
“I am very impressed how @Alle_Thainara using her wrestling and fight IQ against [experienced] fighter Loma.”
— Merab Dvalishvili, UFC Bantamweight Champion
Coming from a fighter ranked #3 pound-for-pound in the world, this isn`t merely praise; it`s a profound statement on Thainara`s burgeoning potential. Such an endorsement positions her not just as a promising talent, but as a fighter capable of contending at the highest levels of the sport.
A New Force in the Strawweight Division
With this pivotal victory, Alexia Thainara is not just a prospect anymore; she is a legitimate force. Her name is now all but guaranteed to appear next to a number in the upcoming strawweight rankings, a testament to her rapid ascent and undeniable skill. In just her second UFC outing, Thainara has demonstrated a level of technical prowess, composure, and sheer athletic superiority that signals a very bright future within the demanding strawweight division. The early start time at UFC Perth might have caught some off guard, but Alexia Thainara certainly woke up the entire strawweight division with a resounding statement.
Finlay Hurst