Lina Lansberg’s start to UFC life has not been what you would call painless.
After displaying incredible courage in even accepting a bout against Cris Cyborg, the most ferocious woman walking the planet, in her native Brazil, Lansberg was given what was supposed to be a more routine outing for her second appearance in the Octagon.
And while Lansberg’s hand may have been raised on Saturday night, when she claimed a second unanimous decision against Lucie Pudilova, it was not without difficulty.
The Swedish bantamweight engaged in a brutal and bloody rematch with Pudilova in the first fight of the night at UFC London, claiming a razor-close but unanimous decision in the O2 Arena.
Knees on Knees on Knees by both women! #UFCLondon pic.twitter.com/BT1lxqjFs0
— UFC (@ufc) March 18, 2017
There was nothing but respect after the fight, with Lansberg raising her opponents hand to show her admiration for Pudilova’s efforts.
“It was a tough fight but I’m feeling fine,” Lansberg said. “I’ve fought her before so I was expecting it to be another tough fight. She lost the first fight so I knew she wanted to come after me. I’m really happy that I got the win though.”
What a battle! @linalansberg and @Luciepudilova could be going for a trilogy after that #UFCLondon! pic.twitter.com/BVc3jDa7Xs
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 18, 2017
And in the moments following the victory, Lansberg didn’t exactly look like a winner as she was transported to hospital.
The hard-as-nails Swede was almost unrecognisable as she thanked her fans over the blaring siren of her ambulance.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRykfUalIdL/?taken-by=linalansberg&hl=en
The price these fighters pay for glory never ceases to amaze us.
