Brazilian jiu-jitsu sensation and aspiring MMA fighter Talita Alencar, who fought Stephanie Luciano to a draw at Dana White’s Contender Series 63, has unfortunately missed out on her shot at the UFC — at least this time around.
Alencar, who’d gone undefeated 4-0 in her MMA career up until her bout with Luciano, is known for her submission finishes. Three of Alencar’s four victories in the cage have arrived via rear naked choke: a testament to her jiu-jitsu pedigree, which includes multiple IBJJF world titles.
Though Alencar managed to dominate the first two rounds of her scrap against Luciano, her opponent rallied in the third round, resulting in a 10-8 score that took the overall fight to a draw. As a result, the UFC contract will now go to Luciano, who impressed audiences with her ability snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the final moments of the fight.
Though draws are an overall rarity in MMA, the one that took place between Alencar and Luciano is the second major occurrence we’ve seen in a high-profile women’s fight this month. It arrives almost immediately on the heels of the controversial split draw that saw Alexa Grasso retaining the flyweight belt over previously dominant Valentina Shevchenko.
