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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Erickson and Ken Hathaway

Stephanie Luciano happy to prove Dana White right in debut at UFC on ESPN 61

LAS VEGAS – Stephanie Luciano beat Talita Alencar with a unanimous decision Saturday to open the preliminary card at UFC on ESPN 61 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Take a look inside the fight with Luciano, who picked up a win in her UFC debut – and avenged a draw with Alencar on Dana White’s Contender Series.

Stephanie Luciano def. Talita Alencar

Result: Stephanie Luciano def. Talita Alencar via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Updated records: Luciano (6-1-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Alencar (5-1-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Key stats: Luciano doubled up on Alencar in the striking department and stuffed nine of her 10 takedown attempts.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 10: (L-R) Stephanie Luciano of Brazil punches Talita Alencar of Brazil in a strawweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on August 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Powers/Zuffa LLC)

Luciano on the fight’s key moment

“I think it was unavoidable (to have a rematch with Alencar) – especially after what happened on the Contender Series. It was such a tough fight, and it ended up being a draw. She comes in with such strong jiu-jitsu, and I was able to display a lot of striking. I’m surprised (the rematch) was my debut in the UFC. I thought I had an impeccable performance. I thought it was great.”

Luciano on winning her UFC debut

“I’m very happy. This is the place where I want to be. To be in this organization and have such a great win, so technical, and it worked so well – it feels like a dream come true. It’s so incredible to actually live your dreams.”

Luciano on what she wants next

“I had an expectation to fight three times this year, but I had a fight at the start of the year that was canceled. I do want to fight, and hopefully I can fight in December or even November.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 61.

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