The MMA Daily

We have a clash in the Women’s Strawweight division, as Loma Lookboonmee takes on promotional newcomer Denise Gomes. Returning to the octagon for the first time in 2022, Lookboonmee will look to rebound from a defeat to Lupita Godinez. Previous to the loss, Lookboonmee had rattled off two straight wins. Meanwhile, Gomes comes into her UFC debut on a six fight win streak. Having defeated Milana Dudieva and Rayanne Amanda in back-to-back fights, Gomes has proved that at only 22 years old, she’s ready for the big stage.

While I’m very interested to see Gomes step inside the octagon, the short notice nature interwoven with fighting a tough veteran in Lookboonmee seems like a tall task. However, Gomes’ has a power edge, is aggressive and has an excellent gas tank. She has also fought as heavy as Bantamweight, which gives me the impression that she’s going to be the bigger fight in the octagon. Where I have concern with the Brazilian, is within her takedown defense. Having watched tape on Gomes, she seems to vulnerable in that area. In the fight against Milana Dudieva, she was taken down rather easily, then was mounted and flattened out. And although Lookboonmee is a striker, she has snuck in a takedown in four of her five UFC fights. I expect her continue to do such, finding more success on the ground then dealing with the Brazilian on the feet. In the end, Lookboonmee’s takedowns and control time will aide her to victory via decision.