Bourgeoisie in the Land of the Queen! Meet Brazilian Alexia Thainara, UFC London debutant

Dim, dim, dim! Brazilian debutant alert in the Ultimate! Alexia Thainara will make his first appearance in the world's most famous MMA organization next Saturday (22) at UFC London, which takes place at The O2 Arena. The Rio native born in Paracambi faces the British Molly McCann in the women's strawweight category (up to 52,1 kg). Owner of an infectious smile, the fighter has been in England since last Monday (17) and gave an exclusive interview to SUPER FIGHTS.

Thainara was revealed in the 8th season of 'Dana White's Contender Series' after defeating Rose Conceição by unanimous decision. At 29 years old, she trains at the Ribas Family gym, in Varginha (MG), alongside master Marcelo Ribas and the seventh-placed Ultimate women's strawweight ranking, Amanda ribas. Alexia arrives at UFC London with a record of 11 wins and only one loss. The fighter is known for her aggressiveness, has a sequence of nine wins, six by submission and three wins in the first round.

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“I ended up in Varginha through a WhatsApp group that my master was participating in. I was going to fight in an event where Marcelo (Ribas) had some athletes. And at that event, he was keeping an eye on the girls, because Amanda, in this case, needed someone to participate in her camp. Someone who had a good grab, who could take down well. And he said 'if this girl wins this fight, which she's about to compete in, she can come and do a test here at our gym.' So I went to Varginha, did the test and he liked my fighting style and invited me to join the team,” says the Rio native.

Bourgeois Girl

Alexia Thainara, debutant of UFC London. Photo: UFC Disclosure

Alexia Thainara has a peculiar nickname for such an independent and explosive girl: 'Burguesinha'. This is because outside the octagon, the fighter says she is 'a very delicate girl'.

“My mother gave me the nickname “Burguesinha” because I liked to do my nails, eyebrows, go to the gym and didn’t want anything to do with life. She said, ‘Wow, you’re a real bourgeoisie, aren’t you?’ So I put it on Instagram, “Burguesinha,” and the nickname stuck. The girls at the gym say that I’m one of the best-smelling girls. I can’t stand smelling. I always put on deodorant, perfume… because you can’t train sweaty and without deodorant!” she jokes.

British meatball

Molly McCann, opponent of Alexia Thainara No. UFC London. Photo: UFC Reproduction

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The Little Burgess arrives 'sick', as she makes her debut on the main card of UFC London against Molly McCann. At 34 years old, the British fighter has been in the organization since 2018 and her strong point is boxing. She has a record of 14 wins and seven losses, and is coming off a unanimous decision defeat against the Brazilian Bruna Brazil, at UFC 304. The fight fell into Thainara's lap at the last minute, but she says that's not a problem.

“We got the news last Friday, seven days before the fight. But my master was telling me to stay consistent, train, keep my mouth shut, right? Because he said, 'There could be a fight at any moment, so let's stay alert so we can be ready, right?' And that's what we did. I kept training, keeping my mouth shut, waiting for the phone to ring. And the phone rang and we were ready,” he says.

Despite facing a veteran, the newcomer is confident of her potential and has also studied the home team who, according to her, is not so 'scary'.

Alexia Thainara fighting for the Contender Series. Photo: UFC Disclosure

“On Friday we started watching all of her fights. My master studies fighting a lot. He saw that she has good striking, but it’s not something that scares us, because we train everything. And there they are creators of vale tudo, right? So, the only thing she really has to offer is striking, but it’s not scary. My style is versatile. Whatever she comes, we’ll be ready. She’s not the boss of the house, right? She just lives here. She has to make a mess in the house”, he says.

McCann also has a peculiar nickname – perhaps too peculiar: 'Meatball', which in English is spelled 'MeatBall'. Thainara already knew this nickname and sent a message full of humor.

“In Brazil, I love eating meatballs. We’re going to eat meatballs in London!”

Spying on the 'enemy'

An interesting fact happened during this time that the team of Alexia Thainara is in London. Coach Marcelo Ribas was walking through the streets of London when a scene caught his attention. He caught Thainara's opponent training through a window and collected data for Saturday's fight. (watch below)

“I wasn’t there, I was in the room and he and Amanda went for a walk. Then, luckily, as fate would have it, they saw her training. And the game just adapted even more. I was able to watch a lot. It wasn’t anything he had already studied, it was just confirmed. Marcelo Ribas is a very intelligent guy in the world of fighting. So, we know we are well structured,” he says.

Head, focus and lightness

Alexia Thainara at the Media Day press conference UFC London. Photo: Marcelo Ribas

Burguesinha also spoke in the interview with SUPER FIGHTS How is your head and preparation for the most important fight of your life, so far?

“I’m always training. In addition to my physical fitness, I also train my mind to be in good shape for the fight. Because outside the octagon we are normal human beings, so we have to be prepared beyond our physical fitness, mainly. That’s my game, right? Being explosive, moving forward, and we’re going to move forward. Heart on the tip of the glove and fighting. It’s to have fun. The pressure is all on her. I came here to have fun. My manager already said, ‘Alexia, your smile is your trademark.’ I’m always laughing regardless of the problems. You have to keep a smile on your face,” she explains.

'Forget Troop'

Alexia Thainara often uses an addictive catchphrase. She crosses her arms with her hands open, then lowers them and says 'Forget it!', which is usually followed by the word 'troop'. (see below)

“Forget it, troop! Because, in truth, I'm from Rio and people always make fun of our 'S'. So on Saturday I put (on social media) 'Forget it, troop! Up! Rocket' and since then it hasn't stopped. Forget it, troop! Forget it, SUPER FIGHTS!”, he concluded.