Alexia Thainara is eager to disrupt the local crowd’s excitement this Saturday night, aiming for a successful UFC debut by defeating Molly McCann at UFC London.
Nicknamed “Burguesinha,” Thainara was finishing a training session in Brazil last Friday when her manager contacted her team leader, Marcelo Ribas, to see if she was prepared to accept a last-minute fight.
Ribas immediately confirmed her readiness.
Shortly after, her manager called back to confirm the fight was set. Thainara had only two days to travel from Varginha to Sao Paulo and then embark on a lengthy journey to London, all while needing to lose seven pounds in just one week.
Thainara mentioned to MMA media that they anticipated a significant fight opportunity after seven months since the Contender Series. She views this as a good and challenging matchup, believing it reflects her reputation as a tough competitor. She considers herself a versatile athlete, and expects an exciting fight.
Thainara secured a UFC contract by defeating Rose Conceicao on The Contender Series, improving her professional record to 11-1.
In contrast, UFC London will be McCann’s 14th appearance in the octagon, with seven wins. While McCann has more UFC experience, Thainara believes she has advantages in other aspects of fighting.
Thainara stated her intention to win by employing her best attributes: heart, forward pressure, aggression, and versatility. She aims to prevent McCann from utilizing her boxing skills, which she sees as McCann’s primary strength.
Highlighting her jiu-jitsu background, Thainara, who has secured five consecutive submissions, confidently declared, “Tap or sleep.”
Before joining the UFC, Thainara had a successful run in the Brazilian MMA scene, achieving five straight submissions between 2021 and 2023, including two rapid eight-second finishes. Although her previous opponents were less experienced, “Burguesinha” sees UFC London as her opportunity to make a global impact.
Thainara acknowledges her relative anonymity in the UFC but believes accepting this fight on short notice will introduce her to a wider audience, demonstrating her team’s readiness and commitment.
