The first open transgender fighter to compete in MMA, Alana McLaughlin, just picked up her first victory in her MMA debut on the Combate Global prelims in Miami.

The 32-year-old submitted her opponent, Celine Provost, with a rear-naked choke towards the end of the second round. All this, after surviving a brutal onslaught of punches from Provost, which could have led to an early stoppage.

A former special forces soldier in the US Army, Alan McLaughlin is only the second transgender to compete in MMA after Fallon Fox; a transgender athlete who competed in MMA from 2012 to 2014. Interestingly, Fallon Fox was present cage side as a sign of support for her fellow transgender fighter making her debut.

McLaughlin has been quite vocal about spearheading the movement for normalizing transgender fighters competing in MMA. It was in 2010, after quitting the Army, that McLaughlin began the procedure for her gender change. At thirty-seven, she began training in MMA a year ago.

According to Combate Global executive Mike Afromowitz, McLaughlin passed all medical tests ahead of the bout. This also included a hormone panel, issued by the Florida State Boxing Commission.

Who Is Robbie Lawler’s Wife Marcia Lawler?

Jake Shields weighs in on Alana McLaughlin winning her MMA debut

Considering the controversial nature of the fight, and the debate surrounding transgender fighters competing against women in MMA, news of McLaughlin’s debut victory has had different reactions from fans and fighters alike.

Jake Shields, a former UFC fighter, seemed particularly distraught with the idea of a transgender athlete competing against women.

Trending

Dale Jr Unmasks Teresa Earnhardt’s Refusal to Sell Him His Late Father’s Prized Possession That Forced Relocation Move

April 17, 2024 12:29 PM EDT

Restricted by NFL Contract, Simone Biles Reveals if Jonathan Owens Will Attend Paris Olympics 2024

April 17, 2024 09:03 PM EDT

Shaq Makes Big Claim That Can End LeBron James’ Future With Lakers After Nuggets Series

April 17, 2024 06:48 PM EDT

Kevin Harvick Reveals His Deliberately Reckless Move to See Out $228 Billion Sponsor

April 18, 2024 09:25 PM EDT

Nike Track and Field ‘Outfit’ Controversy: Plot Thickens As Dwayne Johnson’s Ex-Wife Asks Concerning Question to Athletes

April 17, 2024 03:16 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“This is the “women” MMA fighter that they just allowed to beat up a girl in Florida. So brave of “her” to transition, then live “her” dream of beating up women”    

A quick look at the comments of the post, and one can witness UFC veteran Diego Sanchez sharing a bewildered emoji. While Anthony Taylor, an MMA fighter, who recently fought Tommy Fury on the undercard for Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley, made the following comment, “Jake Shields over here trying to direct and produce Braveheart 2.” 

Furthermore, MMA reporter Ander Hickey also made the following comments on Jake Shields’ initial tweet, making the following statement.

“This man failed a pre USADA drug test. Do you know how hard that is! Out here complaining about people having an advantage.” 

As of now, there remains a lot of controversy surrounding transgender fighters competing against women in MMA. Considering the vast differences in structure and strength despite the gender change, many believe transgender athletes hold an unfair advantage in competition.

Only time will tell how the MMA community chooses to deal with this pressing issue.

Watch This Story: Top 5 Records Held by Anderson Silva in the UFC