Making a quick turnaround from her win on Dana White’s Contender Series earlier this year, Invicta FC alum Denise Gomes took on Loma Lookboonmee at UFC Vegas 60.
The short-notice fight saw Gomes stepping in for Diana Belbita, who withdrew from the bout a little over a month out. Thailand’s Lookboonmee had lost her last outing, to Loopy Godinez, while Gomes entered the night having won five straight.
A couple of heavy leg kick from Muay Thai fighter Lookboonmee started the fight. A strong push kick to the body put Gomes down briefly. Gomes tied up with Lookboonmee trying to take her down. Lookboonmee defended the takedown and got on top and quickly took the back. Too high on the back, Gomes was able to shake Lookboonmee off and get on top. Gomes right away had an arm triangle. She tried to jump to the other side but took the mount instead. Besides trying to solidify a dominant position Gomes went for an arm-bar and let Lookboonmee back in her guard. Lookboonmee ended the round with a few elbows to the already bloody Gomes.
In the second round, Gomes came forward and Lookboonmee countered with a right into a trip takedown. Gomes was attempting a kimura lock but Lookboonmee used it to take the mount. Lookboonmee decided to just stand up and let Gomes to her feet. Gomes pushed Lookboonmee back to the cage right away chasing a takedown. Gomes worked hard to get it down but the elbows and knees of Lookboonmee were making it tough. It was Lookboonmee getting another takedown hitting the outside trip. More elbows from Lookboonmee landed until she stood up and let Gomes up. Lookboonmee looked away though and Gomes tried to capitalize by rushing in on a takedown but was thrown down. The round ends with a heavy exchange from both.
In the final round, Gomes started off with a big combination. She pressed Lookboonmee against the cage and landed a nasty spinning elbow. When they tied up Lookboonmee hit a nice outside trip. Gomes used a heel hook to scramble and take the back of Lookboonmee. Gomes kept the position on the back but did go for an armbar letting Lookboonmee on top and right back to the feet. It had been Lookboonmee scoring the takedowns and she got another one a minute in. Lookboonmee was busy with elbows until the final bell — and came away with the clear decision win.
Official Result: Loma Lookboonmee def. Denise Gomes by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
