As the sun barely touched the horizon over Perth, Western Australia, and most were still contemplating their first cup of coffee, a seismic shift was already underway in the UFC`s women`s strawweight division. At 7 AM local time, an hour typically reserved for a quiet jog or perhaps an early commute, the octagon ignited with a performance that promised to reverberate far beyond the morning air: Alexia Thainara`s dominant victory over the formidable Loma Lookboonmee.
An Early Start, A Decisive Statement
UFC Fight Night in Perth, a precursor to the highly anticipated UFC 320, kicked off its preliminary card with a bout that, despite its unconventional timing, quickly became the talk of the event. Thainara, already riding the momentum of a spectacular UFC debut earlier this year where she stopped Molly McCann, faced her biggest test yet in the #14-ranked Lookboonmee, a seasoned fighter boasting a four-fight win streak. For many, this was merely the opening act; for Thainara, it was an opportunity to firmly stake her claim.
And stake it she did. Over three rounds, the Brazilian prospect executed a grappling masterclass that left little doubt about her divisional aspirations. Her approach was direct, relentless, and utterly effective. Five takedowns punctuated a performance where Thainara spent a staggering ten minutes in control, systematically dismantling Lookboonmee`s offensive efforts. This wasn`t just winning on points; it was a comprehensive demonstration of superior technique and strategic foresight.
Grappling Dominance and Unwavering Pressure
Observers watched as Thainara transitioned from powerful trips to stifling ground and pound, even attempting a `can opener` submission that, while unsuccessful in securing a tap, underscored her aggressive intent. It was a gritty, high-pressure display, marked by a level of composure and tactical execution rarely seen in such a burgeoning career. Lookboonmee, known for her resilience, was rendered largely ineffective, her renowned striking game nullified by Thainara`s unwavering grappling pressure. The judges` scorecards were a mere formality, unanimously confirming Thainara`s ascendancy.
This victory wasn`t just another notch in her belt; it was the eleventh consecutive win for Thainara, a double-digit streak that firmly plants her among the most exciting talents to watch. Breaking Lookboonmee`s impressive four-fight run isn`t a small feat and signals Thainara`s readiness for stiffer competition within the top 15.
Praise from the Pinnacle: Merab Dvalishvili Takes Notice
The performance did not go unnoticed by the sport`s elite. UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili, himself a grappling wizard and ranked third pound-for-pound, took to social media to commend Thainara`s display. He remarked:
“I am very impressed how @Alle_Thainara using her wrestling and fight IQ against [experienced] fighter Loma.”
Such an endorsement from a champion speaks volumes about the potential Thainara possesses, highlighting not just her physical prowess but her tactical intelligence – a combination that often defines long-term success in the brutal world of mixed martial arts.
The Road Ahead: A New Contender Emerges
As the dust settles in Perth, the message is clear: Alexia Thainara is no longer merely a prospect; she is a legitimate contender on the rise. Her ability to dominate a ranked opponent with such conviction, especially in only her second UFC outing, suggests that the women`s strawweight division has a new, formidable force to contend with. The question now isn`t if she will enter the rankings, but how quickly she will climb them. Fans and pundits alike will be eagerly anticipating her next move, as Thainara`s journey promises to be one of the most compelling narratives in the UFC in the months to come. The early morning wake-up call in Perth was, it seems, just the overture to a much grander symphony.
Gareth Fenton