.png)
Before her unanimous decision victory at Saturday's UFC Vegas 60, Loma Lookboonmee overcome some personal obstacles.
Denise Gomez, the winner of the Challenge Series contract, was beaten by Lookbunmee to reclaim the victory. Prior to the victory, Lookboonmi had suffered a decision loss to Lupita Godinez at UFC Vegas 43 in November 2021, a setback that made her question her future as a fighter.
"After this loss, I returned home, and it was a very difficult period for me because I suffered from depression. After that defeat, I told myself that everything, everything is over. The reason I’m standing here today is that my team and my family believed in me, they always believed in me and always believed that I would get better and go back there. That’s why I’m here now.” Lukbunmee said at the post-match press conference.
Lookboonmee, 26, has won three of her previous four fights and is 4-2 in the Octagon.
When asked what advice she would provide to those experiencing comparable levels of uncertainty and despair, Lukbunmi responded that while the road may be difficult and twisting, things do eventually improve.
"I would like to tell people suffering from depression and mental illness that I am also one of you," Lukbunmee explained. "I know what it is and I know how bad it is. I’ve had suicidal thoughts, hurt myself, and I know how dark and deep that is."
"I am lucky to have such a wonderful team behind me and a family that loves me and has always seen the value in me. I am very grateful and happy that I have them. I want to tell people suffering from mental illness to see the value in themselves because they have it, and never give up, and understand that the situation may not immediately improve, but eventually, it will improve."