Lisboa Defends Coach After UFC Vegas 123 Corner Backlash
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Tainara Lisboa has defended her husband and coach Bruno Polengo after his corner instructions drew heavy criticism during her third-round TKO loss to Lucia Szabova at UFC Vegas 123 on Oct. 31.
Polengo delivered profanity-laced instructions in Portuguese between the second and third rounds, according to MMA Fighting, questioning Lisboa's effort and telling her to finish Szabova, who was making her UFC debut. UFC commentators Daniel Cormier and Laura Sanko questioned the approach on the broadcast, with Cormier arguing Lisboa needed technical guidance rather than emotional pressure. Szabova dominated the final round on the ground, landing 31 strikes before the referee stopped the fight.
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Lisboa Reveals Mental Health Struggles Behind Corner Approach
Lisboa told MMA Fighting that Polengo's style addresses a psychological challenge she faces in competition. The 35-year-old said she has battled depression multiple times during her career, including after a serious knee injury forced her to relearn how to walk. She described moments when suicidal thoughts appeared, with Polengo supporting her through treatment. Lisboa said her mental game represents a vulnerability she and her coach have worked to address for nine years.
Lisboa said the harsh approach is something she requested before the fight, asking Polengo to stay engaged no matter what happened. She described his cornering as proof of commitment to her goals rather than abuse. The fight carried significant stakes for Lisboa, who faced a third consecutive UFC loss and potential roster cuts. She told MMA Fighting she asked him between rounds to fight alongside her because she felt disconnected from the bout.
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Polengo said his explosive style is necessary to snap Lisboa out of difficult mental states during fights. He rejected accusations of abuse, saying his gym demands full accountability from athletes. "I can be an energetic person, but I'm not abusive," he told MMA Fighting. He said millions watching online should understand his approach stems from a shared life investment rather than mistreatment.
The loss was Lisboa's third straight in the UFC, putting her position with the promotion in jeopardy ahead of potential roster cuts.
Photo by Daniel Delgado on Unsplash
Original reporting:
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