UFC Vegas 106: Why Tainara Lisboa’s Return Could Be the Most Exciting Fight You’re Not Talking About

Fight fans, I’ve got a message for you: stop sleeping on Tainara Lisboa.

While most MMA enthusiasts are buzzing about the main card of tomorrow’s UFC Vegas 106, there’s a comeback story brewing that deserves your attention. Lisboa returns to the Octagon this Saturday (May 17, 2025) at UFC Vegas 106 on ESPN+, and trust me – this is one fight you don’t want to miss.

The Forgotten Contender Making Her Return

I’ve been covering MMA for years, and I’ve seen fighters come and go. But there’s something special about Lisboa that caught my eye from her debut. The Brazilian standout has been absent from the cage for over a year, and the division has moved on without her – perhaps too quickly.

What most fans don’t realize is that before her hiatus, Lisboa was quietly assembling an impressive resume that had her on the cusp of title contention. Her combination of slick Brazilian jiu-jitsu and increasingly polished striking made her a nightmare matchup for anyone in her weight class.

Why Are Fans Overlooking This Fight?

It’s simple – the card is stacked. When you have high-profile matchups dominating the main card, it’s easy for a comeback fight to slip under the radar. Plus, Lisboa isn’t exactly a household name… yet.

But here’s why you should care:

• Lisboa’s last three wins came by stoppage (2 submissions, 1 KO)
• She holds the record for fastest submission in her division
• Her striking accuracy ranks in the top 5% of the division
• This comeback fight has major rankings implications

The Evolution of Lisboa’s Game

Sources close to her camp tell me Lisboa hasn’t been idle during her time away. She’s reportedly revamped her striking at American Top Team and added new wrinkles to her already dangerous ground game.

“The version of Tainara you’ll see on Saturday is completely different from before,” said her coach in a recent interview. “Her time off has been a blessing in disguise. She’s hungrier and more technically sound than ever.”

A Matchup That Promises Fireworks

Lisboa isn’t getting an easy welcome-back fight either. The UFC has paired her with a surging contender who’s won her last three fights. It’s a classic striker vs. grappler matchup that has all the ingredients for a Fight of the Night performance.

The betting odds reflect how competitive this matchup is:

What This Fight Means For The Division

I can’t overstate the importance of this fight for Lisboa’s career trajectory. A win here immediately reinserts her into the conversation as a legitimate contender. A loss could mean starting over from scratch in one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions.

The stakes couldn’t be higher, and that’s exactly why this fight has sleeper “show-stealer” potential written all over it.

How To Watch Lisboa’s Return

Set your reminders now – Lisboa’s fight is scheduled for the prelims of UFC Vegas 106, streaming live on ESPN+ tomorrow, May 17, 2025. The prelims start at 5 PM ET, and based on the current bout order, expect to see Lisboa make her walk to the Octagon around 6:30 PM ET.

If you’re a true MMA fan, you won’t want to miss this one. I’m personally canceling my Saturday plans to make sure I catch Lisboa’s return live – it has all the makings of one of those “I was watching when…” moments that we hardcore fans live for.

My Prediction: A Star Reborn

Call it a hunch, call it insider knowledge, or just call it my expert opinion after covering this sport for years – but I believe we’re about to witness the rebirth of a future title challenger. Lisboa has all the tools, the backstory, and now the motivation to make a serious statement this Saturday.

The most exciting fights are often the ones flying under the radar. Remember when nobody was talking about Poirier vs. Hooker until they delivered a war for the ages? Lisboa’s return has that same potential.

Are you watching UFC Vegas 106 this weekend? Let me know in the comments if you’ll be tuning in for Lisboa’s comeback fight, or if there’s another bout on the card you’re more excited about!

Source: UFC/Vox Media