Lucia Szabová secured a technical knockout victory over Tainara Lisboa at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on October 31, 2026, marking a successful debut in the promotion. The win earned the 28-year-old fighter a performance bonus.
Entering the bout with an undefeated 12-0 professional record, Szabová became the first Slovak woman to compete in the organization. She arrived in the promotion following a run in Oktagon MMA, where she claimed titles in two weight divisions.
Early Control and First-Round Submissions
Szabová entered the bout as a heavy favorite against Lisboa, a Brazilian fighter with a background in Muay Thai and a professional record. From the opening moments, Szabová pressured her opponent against the cage fence, securing a clinch and transitioning to a takedown. On the ground, she immediately attempted a kimura submission, though Lisboa managed to escape back to the feet.
As the first round wound down, Lisboa seized a brief opening to take Szabová’s back and attempted a rear-naked choke with thirty seconds remaining on the clock. Szabová defended the position successfully, neutralizing the threat before the bell sounded to end the opening frame.
Szabova delivers heavy strikes on the ground
The second round saw a shift in momentum as Lisboa initiated early takedown attempts, all of which Szabová successfully defended. Szabová then turned the tables, taking the fight from the clinch back to the canvas.
Once on the ground, the Slovak fighter delivered heavy strikes and elbows, coming close to a stoppage via armbar before time ran out in the round. Szabová led 2-0 on the scorecards heading into the final frame.
Szabova secures third round technical knockout victory
Szabová wasted no time in the third round, initiating a clinch within the first minute and dragging Lisboa back to the mat. Sustained ground-and-pound pressure eventually forced the referee to step in at the 3:20 mark, handing Szabová a victory via TKO.
Following the bout, Szabová dedicated the win to her son, noting in post-fight remarks that she had spent a month away from him during training camps in Australia. The performance earned her a bonus of 100,000 dollars.
Future Plans in the UFC
Reflecting on her debut after the event, Szabová expressed a desire for a quick turnaround, telling reporters she would welcome a return to the cage in February in Sydney, Australia. Prior to her debut, she chose the flyweight division over bantamweight, citing her height, larger frame, and speed advantages in the lower weight class as key factors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lucia Szabová’s Debut
What was Lucia Szabová’s professional record before joining the UFC?
Szabová entered her debut appearance with an undefeated professional record of 12 wins and 0 losses, which included nine finishes before the final bell across knockout and submission victories.
How much was the performance bonus awarded to Szabová?
She received a performance bonus of 100,000 dollars.
Which weight class did Szabová choose for her UFC career?
She opted for the flyweight division, transitioning from bantamweight to use her physical frame, speed, and height advantages against opponents in the lighter weight class.