Liana Jojua
Liana Jojua (born March 22, 1995) is a Georgian mixed martial artist who competed in the Flyweight division. She has formerly fought in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is also the former Fight Nights Global Women's Bantamweight Champion. Mixed martial arts career. Early career. Jojua's interest in MMA started watching Gina Carano fights as a 16-year-old. Coming from a background in Muay Thai, she made her MMA debut in September 2015. After winning her initial fight, she went on a two-fight skid in 2016, but Jojua hit her stride and went on  a five-fight win streak which culminated in winning the FNG Women's Bantamweight Championship against Marina Mokhnatkina. Ultimate Fighting Championship. Jojua faced Sarah Moras on September 7, 2019, at UFC 242. At the weigh-ins, Moras weighed in at 138 lbs, 2 pounds over the bantamweight non-title fight limit of 136 lbs. She was fined 20% of her fight purse to Jojua, and the bout proceeded at catchweight. She lost the fight via TKO in the third round. Move down to flyweight. Jojua faced Diana Belbiţă at on July 16, 2020. She won the fight via armbar in  first round. Jojua faced Miranda Maverick on October 24, 2020 at UFC 254. She lost the fight via technical knockout in round one. Jojua was expected to face Cortney Casey on August 21, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 29. However, Jojua was forced out of the fight due to visa issues. The matchup was rescheduled at UFC Fight Night 197 on November 13, 2021. At the weigh-ins, Jojua weighed in at 128.5 pounds, two and a half pounds over the flyweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at a catchweight with Jojua fined 30% of her purse, which  went to her opponent Casey. Jojua lost the bout via unanimous decision. After the loss, it was announced that Jojua was released from UFC. Personal life. She is a teacher and graduated from Moscow State Pedagogical University. She also has a secondary musical education in vocals and piano.