Tainara Lisboa Opens Up About “Controversial” Loss to Valentina Shevchenko Ahead of Highly-Anticipated UFC Debut Tonight
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Welcome to the UFC, Tainara Lisboa! The Brazilian fighter, also known as “Thai Panther,” is making her debut in the promotion at UFC Charlotte tonight. Lisboa is set to take on Australian fighter Jessica-Rose Clark in a bantamweight bout on the preliminary card.
Lisboa, 32, has been competing in martial arts for over a decade and has an impressive background in Muay Thai. However, her most notable loss came against former UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko in a controversial Muay Thai bout when she was just 19 years old.
“The fight was very controversial,” Lisboa told MMA Fighting of her bout against Shevchenko. “We appealed the result because she did some throws in the fight that were illegal. It was Sanda throws, not Muay Thai. There was a lot of buzz at the time. She went on with her career, and if all goes well, we can meet again in the future, right? Who knows.”
Since that defeat, Lisboa has evolved and transitioned to MMA, with a current record of 5 wins and 2 losses. She is eager to make her mark in the UFC and prove her worth in the bantamweight division.
Speaking to UFC.com, Lisboa expressed her admiration for her opponent Jessica-Rose Clark, a UFC veteran and talented striker. “Jessica is an amazing fighter,” she said. “My coaches have come up with a great game plan to face her. She moves very well and her boxing is sharp. However, we know that once she feels cornered, she tends to grapple and take it to the ground. Even though she has some holes on the ground, including her last fights, we believe she’ll try to do that. We’re ready for an eager Jessica because she wants to get a win and I’m making my debut. So I think the fans are in for a treat.”
Fans can expect an action-packed fight from these two talented fighters. Lisboa is known for her striking skills and aggressive fighting style, while Clark is a well-rounded fighter with impressive grappling and striking abilities.
Lisboa’s debut fight at UFC Charlotte tonight takes place on the preliminary card, airing on ESPN+ from Noon EST. With her impressive record and determination to succeed, Thai Panther is one to watch in the bantamweight division.
