Luana Pinheiro’s promotional debut at UFC Vegas 25 was unfortunately short-lived, as she was on the receiving end of an illegal upkick from veteran Randa Markos.
Luana Pinheiro made her long-awaited UFC debut at UFC Vegas 25 after winning a UFC contract on season four of Dana White’s Contender Series. Hailed as the next Ronda Rousey due to her judo background and finishing her fights, expectations are high.
Randa Markos is on the worst losing streak of her career, dropping three in a row. The 16-fight UFC veteran will be looking to get back into the win column and snap that losing streak.
Pinheiro took the center immediately. Markos came flying at Pinheiro throwing a bunch of punches but ate a punch from Pinheiro at the end of the flurry. Pinheiro dropped Markos with a judo throw. Just 70 seconds in and Pinheiro landed a nasty judo throw again. Pinheiro threw a low kick but missed. Halfway through the round, Pinheiro poked Markos in the eye to halt the action. As soon as the referee called the fight to start again, Markos charged Pinheiro again, landing some punches. Pinheiro landed a nice shot and ended up throwing Markos on her head. Markos got to her feet and landed a nice right hand on Pinheiro. With a minute left, Pinheiro landed another judo throw. Markos landed an illegal upkick and Pinheiro unfortunately could not continue.
Tough ending to a very fun fight
Luana Pinheiro def. Randa Markos via Disqualification (Upkick) in Round 1 (4:16)
