Luana Santos Makes History with Keylock Submission
At UFC Vegas 106, Luana Santos delivered a dominant performance, securing a keylock submission victory over Tainara Lisboa at 4:59 of Round 2. This win not only marked Santos’ successful move to the bantamweight division but also made history—she became the first woman in UFC history to win via Americana submission.
Santos’ Dominance from the Start
Santos (9-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) wasted no time asserting control. Early in the first round, she exploded into a takedown, keeping Lisboa pinned to the mat and preventing any reversal attempts. Despite Lisboa’s efforts to scramble, Santos maintained heavy top pressure, landing short punches while controlling the position.
Lisboa (7-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC) came out aggressive in Round 2, mixing in kicks and putting Santos on the defensive. However, Santos quickly caught a stray kick and dumped Lisboa to the mat, securing another takedown that left Lisboa far from the fence and any chance of escape.
The Historic Finish
With just seconds remaining in the round, Santos transitioned to mount and locked in an Americana submission, wrenching Lisboa’s arm until she tapped out—just before the horn sounded. This victory not only showcased Santos’ grappling prowess but also etched her name in UFC history as the first female fighter to win via Americana.
What’s Next for Santos?
Following her win, Santos expressed confidence in her move to bantamweight, calling it a “shortcut to a title fight”. She has her sights set on climbing the rankings quickly, believing the 135-pound division offers a faster path to championship contention.
With her dominant performance and historic finish, Santos has positioned herself as a serious contender in the bantamweight division. Will she continue her rise and secure a top-ranked opponent next? Fight fans will be watching closely.
