Lookboonmee competed in over 200 Muay Thai matches, often three times a week, and sometimes even twice a day. She won nine world titles and a gold medal for the Thailand national team that earned her a prize of one million baht (over $29,000). She used that money to pay her parents’ bills and for her sister’s education.
“I live for my family,” Lookboonmee said. “Being able to make them happy and proud of me is all I’ve ever wanted in life.
“I’d like to tell all the kids out there, all the people that are aspiring fighters, to never give up no matter how tired you get, no matter how difficult things are. Please do not give up because I don’t want you to live with regret. When you make it to this point and look back, you’ll understand that it was all worth it.”
In 2017, Lookboonmee transitioned to mixed martial arts following the advice of a promoter for Invicta FC who saw her train and immediately recognized her potential. She made a strong impression in her amateur debut when she earned a second-round submission and made the leap to professional MMA just four months later.
Over the last five years, Lookboonmee has fought eight times in the UFC, compiling an impressive 6-2 record in the promotion and a 9-3 overall record. However, it’s been over a year since she last stepped into the Octagon, largely due to an injury.
Now training at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas, Nevada, Lookboonmee is nearly 8,000 miles away from her hometown in Thailand. Despite the physical distance, her family remains a constant source of support.
WATCH: Loma Lookboonmee’s Fight Week Interview
