Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Lina Lansberg as she debuts in the UFC against one of the best female fighters in the world, Cris Cyborg, at UFC Fight Night 95 in Brasilia, Brazil. Lina “Elbow Princess” Lansberg Hometown: Malmo, Sweden Age: 34 Height: 5’6” Reach: Weight Class: Women’s Featherweight Camp: Redline Training Center Career Record: 6-1 Key Wins: None Key Losses: Pannie Kianzad Background A decorated muay Thai fighter, Lansberg made the transition over to MMA in 2012. After losing her first ever MMA bout, she’s won six straight fights including four by stoppage. Strengths
- Good power in her hands
- Does her best work in the clinch
- Excellent elbows from within range
- Lands solid knees in scrambles
Weaknesses
- Not enough volume from range
- Leaves herself exposed when she attempts to close distance
- Takedown defense is a question mark
Match-up against Cris Cyborg This is a more interesting matchup than Cyborg’s first fight in the UFC against Leslie Smith. The reason why it’s more compelling is that Lansberg is an accomplished striker that has transitioned over from muay thai into MMA. Lansberg has well above average power and has some variation in her striking that can cause her opponents problems. On the feet, this bout is surprisingly more competitive than most would think. The biggest gap in talent is the grappling. Cyborg is a much better wrestler and is very good on the mat. I expect her to lock Lansberg up against the cage and bring her to the mat. In top position, she’ll look to advance position to where she gets full mount and can rip into strikes with her excellent and ground pound. Cyborg is too good in all facets of the sport to slip up in this bout. Expect a ground and pound stoppage either in the late first round or second round. UFC Ceiling Lina Lansberg is another in a series of female fighters that have fought professionally in another striking discipline before making the jump to MMA. She still has some holes in her game, but her striking is more than good enough to allow her to compete against mid-tier UFC bantamweights if she can make the weight at 135 pounds. Her grappling ability will be exposed in some bouts, but overall I expect her to have her fair share of success in the UFC. Fight Film Check out Lina Lansberg in some of his most recent fights: Lina Lansberg vs. Emily Delaney Lina Lansberg vs. Laura Howarth