LomaLookboonmee overcome some of her personal struggles to win unanimously at Saturday’s UFC Vegas 60 show.
Lookboonmee defeated Contender Series contract winner Denise Gomes to get back in the win column. Before the win, Lookboonmee lost a decision against Lupita Gomez at UFC Vegas in November – a defeat that left her doubting her future as a fighter.
“I went home after that loss and I was very depressed,” Lookboonmee stated in her postfight press conference . After that loss I thought that was it. My family and my team believed in me and have always believed I could get better. That’s why I am standing today. That’s why I’m here right now.”
The 26-year-old Lookboonmee is 4-2 inside the octagon, and victorious in three of her four most recent outings.
When asked what message she would like to pass to others dealing with similar feelings of doubt and sadness, Lookboonmee explained that the road might be a long and winding one, but it does get better with time.
“I’d like to tell people that are suffering from depression and mental illness that I am one of you, too,” Lookboonmee explained. It’s not something I can imagine, but it’s what it feels like. I’ve had suicidal thoughts, I have hurt myself, and I know how dark and deep it goes.
“I am lucky to have such an amazing team behind me, and a family who loves me and has always seen the value in me. I’m very grateful and blessed to have them. People with mental illnesses should see the value in themselves and never lose sight of it. I also want them to understand that they might not always get better .”
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