After an unforgettable entrance, Alexia Thainara clinched a $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus by submitting Molly McCann in the first round of her UFC debut.
Alexia, who trains alongside seasoned Octagon veteran Amanda Ribas, was overjoyed to claim victory at UFC London with just a week’s notice. “The first time I left Brazil was when I traveled with Amanda for her fight against Rose Namajunas. I still can’t believe my second trip abroad landed me on a main card in London,” she shared with Sherdog.com. “Molly might have thought she was up against a rookie, but training with the Ribas Family has toughened me up. We have over 30 fierce girls, and Amanda Ribas is ranked in two divisions.”
Her passion for martial arts blossomed early, although her family didn’t always support her pursuits. “I started capoeira when I was just eight. I fell head over heels for jiu-jitsu at 15, but since my mom wasn’t keen on it, I told her I was headed to soccer practice,” Thainara admitted.
Balancing her rigorous MMA training with a construction job, the Brazilian fighter shared, “My mom cares for the elderly, and my dad works in construction,” she explained. “Working with him allowed me to contribute at home while chasing my dream. I hope to focus entirely on training now.”
In her MMA journey, Alexia looks up to none other than Anderson Silva, drawn to his entertaining style and remarkable kicks. “His charisma in the ring is something else,” she noted.
As for the hefty bonus, Thainara plans to reinvest it in boosting her career. She’s staying sharp for any short-notice call the promotion might have. “The career of an athlete doesn’t last forever. At 27, the smartest investment is in my growth, ensuring this bonus is just the beginning of many,” she stated confidently.
“The UFC should know that Alexia Disk Delivery is always ready,” she quipped. “Just give me a call, and I’m primed to put on another electrifying performance.”
