Randa Markos disqualified for an illegal upkick on Luana Pinheiro at the UFC Vegas 25

Randa Markos (10-12-1) was disqualified for an illegal upkick on Luana Pinheiro (9-1-0) at the UFC Vegas 25, which was held last night. The UFC debut of Brazilian prospect Luana Pinheiro did not go as planned earlier tonight, as she was carried backstage by her coach following the illegal upkick by the veteran Randa Markos in the first round. However, the win was given to the debutant in the UFC.

Both women’s strawweight fighters came out firing with Luana Pinheiro landing the more meaningful shots. The Brazilian eventually scored some beautiful throws to score some damage from the top position. Randa Markos proved tough and even caught Luana Pinheiro on the feet. That was until Pinheiro poked Markos in the eye and the fight was briefly stopped.

Randa Markos took some time to regroup but continued the fight and blitzed Luana Pinheiro with a flurry of punches. Luana Pinheiro regained control with another throw, but as she postured up in top position Markos was there for a vicious illegal upkick.

The disqualification was called because referee Mark Smith ruled Markos’ upkick intentionally.

Randa Markos was visibly emotional at the result. The Canadian has lost five of her past six UFC bouts.