UFC bantamweight Tainara Lisboa and her coaching team have responded to criticism following her bout at UFC Vegas 123, where corner instructions during the fight drew scrutiny from fans and analysts.
The controversy centered on the communication between Lisboa and her cornerman Bruno Polengo between rounds, which some observers described as "explosive" and potentially disruptive. Video footage showed Polengo engaging in animated discussion with Lisboa during the one-minute rest periods.
In a post-fight interview, Lisboa defended her corner's approach, stating that the intensity reflects the high-stakes nature of competition. Her coaching staff echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that their communication style is tailored to Lisboa's preferences and has been consistent throughout her career.
The incident has sparked broader debate about corner conduct in mixed martial arts, with some calling for clearer guidelines on acceptable interaction between fighters and coaches during bouts.
UFC Vegas 123 took place on November 5, 2026, at the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas. Lisboa's fight result was not disclosed in the initial reports.
