Alexia Thainara Worked Part-Time in Construction Prior to UFC Debut

After a memorable walkout, Alexia Thainara secured a $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus by submitting Molly McCann in the first round of her Ultimate Fighting Championship debut.

A training partner of popular Octagon veteran Amanda Ribas, Thainara was joyful after winning at UFC London on just seven days’ notice.

“The first time I traveled out of Brazil was when Amanda fought [Rose] Namajunas. I still can't believe that my second trip abroad was to fight on a main card in London,” Thainara told Sherdog.com. “Maybe Molly thought she would get a beginner not ready to brawl, but I train at Ribas Family. We have more than 30 tough girls training there, and Amanda Ribas is ranked in two divisions.”

Thainara took an interest in martial arts at an early age, but those pursuits weren’t always well received in her family.

“I started capoeira when I was 8 years old. When I was 15 I fell in love with jiu-jitsu, but as my mother didn't like it, I tricked her by saying I was going to soccer classes,” Thainara said.

The Brazilian also revealed that she still balances her MMA training routine with her job as a construction worker.

“My mother is a caregiver for the elderly and my father is a construction worker,” she said.

Thainara says she has always worked with her father so she could help out at home and continue investing in her dream.

“I hope that now I can dedicate myself solely to training,” she said.

Thainara draws inspiration in her MMA career from one of the greatest Brazilian champions of all time: Anderson Silva.

“Not only for his charismatic way of fighting, but also for his amazing kicks,” she said.

Regarding the $50,000 bonus she earned, Thainara intends to invest in her own career. She plans on staying ready in case the promotion comes calling with another short-notice offer.

“An athlete’s life is short. I’m only 27 years old. The best investment I can make is in my development as an athlete so I can make this the first of many bonuses,” she said.

 “All the UFC must know is that Alexia Disk Delivery is always ready, just call and I'll be ready to deliver another great fight.”