Second Transgender To Compete In Women’s MMA Takes Down Opponent In Just 3 Minutes
Alana McLaughlin, a biological male athlete who becomes the second to compete in women’s MMA in the United States, made her professional debut Friday night in Miami, Fla., via submission in the Combate Global prelims.
McLaughlin faced female Celine Provost in the second round, the 38-year-old utilized a rear-naked choke to put an end to the fight three minutes and 32 seconds into it.
McLaughlin claims to be a pioneer for transgender athletes in combat sports after leaving the United States Army Special Forces in 2010. McLaughlin started a gender transition after being discharged from the Army in 2010.
“I want to pick up the mantle that Fallon put down,” McLaughlin told Outsports before the fight, referring to Fallon Fox, who in 2012 became the first biological male to fight in women’s MMA. “Right now, I’m following in Fallon’s footsteps. I’m just another step along the way and it’s my great hope that there are more to follow behind me.”
Good morning, friends, supporters and others! I'm getting a lot of variations of the same nasty messages calling me a cheater like I didn't just get beat on for a round and a half. Y'all need to show Céline Provost some respect and take your concern trolling elsewhere. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/GFhk55YeJm
— Alana McLaughlin🏳️⚧️ (@AlanaFeral) September 11, 2021
McLaughlin started training a year ago and was given the go-ahead to fight by the Florida State Boxing Commission after having a test to check hormone levels, according to ESPN.
According to McLaughlin, “I have nothing but respect for [Provost].”
Provost landed a few of blows in the first round before being defeated by McLaughlin in the second.
During the announcement of her victory, McLaughlin donned a tank top with the words “End Trans Genocide” printed on it, ironically after destroying Provost.
In the wake of several state legislative battles, transgender athletes are being barred from participation in youth, high school, and collegiate sports in the United States.
McLaughlin claims “If we want to see more trans athletes, if we want to see more opportunities for trans kids, we’re going to have to work out way into those spaces and make it happen,” McLaughlin told Outsports. “It’s time for trans folks to be in sports and be more normalized.
