MMA Match Preview: Tainara Lisboa (7-2) vs. Luana Santos (8-2)
An exciting women’s bantamweight clash is set for UFC Fight Night 256, as Tainara Lisboa (7-2) takes on Luana Santos (8-2) in an all-Brazilian showdown. Lisboa enters the fight riding a five-fight winning streak, while Santos looks to bounce back after suffering her first UFC loss last August.
Fighter Profiles & Recent Form
Tainara Lisboa
- Record: 7-2
- Age: 34
- Height: 5’5″
- Reach: 67″
- Fight Style: Muay Thai specialist with strong submission skills
- Recent Form: Lisboa has been dominant since joining the UFC, winning both of her fights so far. She secured a submission victory over Jessica-Rose Clark in her debut and followed it up with a unanimous decision win against Ravena Oliveira.
Luana Santos
- Record: 8-2
- Age: 25
- Height: 5’4″
- Reach: 66″
- Fight Style: Judo-based grappling with solid boxing fundamentals
- Recent Form: Santos started her UFC career with three straight wins, including a submission victory over Mariya Agapova. However, she suffered a unanimous decision loss to Casey O’Neill at UFC 305, ending her five-fight winning streak.
Fight Breakdown & Key Factors
Striking Battle
- Lisboa has a Muay Thai black belt, making her the more polished striker.
- Santos has good boxing fundamentals, but she relies more on her grappling.
- Lisboa’s reach advantage (67″ vs. 66″) could help her control the distance.
Grappling & Ground Game
- Santos is a judo black belt, meaning she excels in clinch exchanges and takedowns.
- Lisboa has solid submission skills, but she prefers striking over wrestling.
- If Santos can secure takedowns, she has a strong chance of controlling the fight.
Cardio & Durability
- Lisboa has never been finished, showing strong durability.
- Santos has four submission wins, proving she can capitalize on openings.
- Both fighters have gone the distance multiple times, making a decision likely.
Santos has the edge in grappling, but Lisboa’s striking and experience could be the deciding factors. If Santos keeps the fight on the ground, she has a strong chance of winning by decision. However, if Lisboa can dictate the pace with her Muay Thai, she could pull off an upset.
FIGHT ODDS
Tainara Lisboa + 110
Luana Santos – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 16, 2025