Randa Cemil Markos-Thomas (born August 10, 1985) is an Iraqi-born Canadian professional

mixed martial artist Mixed martial arts (MMA), sometimes referred to as cage fighting, no holds barred (NHB), and ultimate fighting, and originally referred to as Vale Tudo is a full-contact combat sport based on striking, grappling and ground fighting, incorpo ...

who competes in the strawweight division. She most notably fought in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Personal life

Markos was born in

Iraq Iraq,; ku, عێراق, translit=Êraq officially the Republic of Iraq, '; ku, کۆماری عێراق, translit=Komarî Êraq is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Turkey to Iraq–Turkey border, the north, Iran to Iran–Iraq ...

in 1985. She is ethnically

Assyrian Assyrian may refer to: * Assyrian people, the indigenous ethnic group of Mesopotamia. * Assyria, a major Mesopotamian kingdom and empire. ** Early Assyrian Period ** Old Assyrian Period ** Middle Assyrian Empire ** Neo-Assyrian Empire * Assyrian ...

. She and her parents are of

Chaldean Catholic , native_name_lang = syc , image = Assyrian Church.png , imagewidth = 200px , alt = , caption = Cathedral of Our Lady of Sorrows Baghdad, Iraq , abbreviation = , type ...

religious background. At the age of three, she and her family were held at gunpoint and imprisoned during the Iran-Iraq War for trying to escape Iraq. They successfully escaped and boarded a plane to

Ontario Ontario ( ; ) is one of the thirteen provinces and territories of Canada.Ontario is located in the geographic eastern half of Canada, but it has historically and politically been considered to be part of Central Canada. Located in Central C ...

Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tota ...

that same year. Markos earned her Pharmacy Assistant Diploma at TriOS College. She then worked as a

pharmacy technician A pharmacy technician performs pharmacy-related functions, working collaboratively with a licensed pharmacist. Training, certification, licensing, and actual practice of pharmacy technicians varies not only worldwide but in some countries regional ...

at a pharmacy in Windsor.

Mixed martial arts career

Markos made her pro MMA debut on November 17, 2012 at IFC 51 defeating Allanna Jones via third round armbar. Markos compiled an unblemished 3–0 record making her RFA debut against future TUF 20 teammate

Justine Kish Svetlana Nasibulina (born 13 April 1988), known professionally by her ring name Justine Kish, is an American mixed martial artist that competes in the Flyweight division of Bellator MMA. A professional since 2010, she has also competed in the Ult ...

. Markos suffered her first loss that night via decision. She quickly bounced back by defeating Lynnell House via armbar in the first round and capturing the PFC Strawweight title.

''The Ultimate Fighter''

Markos was among the final eight contestants that tried out for the ''TUF'' house, to join the 11

Invicta FC Invicta Fighting Championships, also known as Invicta FC, is an American professional mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion dedicated to Women's mixed martial arts that was founded in 2012 by Janet Martin and Shannon Knapp. The promotion is current ...

strawweights that President

Dana White Dana Frederick White Jr. (born July 28, 1969) is an American businessman who serves as president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a global mixed martial arts organization. In August 2019, White's net worth was estimated at $500 milli ...

had acquired. Markos was ranked #14 for Team Pettis, and was matched up against #3 ranked Tecia Torres for the first fight of the season. Markos defeated Torres via decision after three rounds to give Team Pettis their first win. On the ninth episode, Markos was set to take on

Felice Herrig Felice Nicole Herrig (born September 18, 1984) is an American retired kickboxer, Muay Thai fighter, and mixed martial artist who competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the strawweight division. Background Herrig was born in Buff ...

in the first quarterfinal match up. Tension began to build when several of the fighters wanted to train separately and have two sessions per day, one in the morning and one at night. Markos decided to appear at a morning practice, which didn't sit well with

Carla Esparza Carla Kristen Esparza (born October 10, 1987) is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), in which she is a former two-time UFC Women's Strawweight Champi ...

, who confronted Markos to try to get her to leave; Markos did not. She defeated Herrig via scarfhold armbar, in the first round. In the last episode of the season, Markos was paired up against

Rose Namajunas Rose Gertrude Namajunas (born June 29, 1992) is an American mixed martial artist. She is signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where she competes in the women's strawweight division and is the former two-time UFC Women's Strawwei ...

in the semifinal. Markos lost via first round submission.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Markos made her promotional debut at The Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale, taking on fellow semi-finalist

Jessica Penne Jessica Marie Penne (born January 30, 1983) is an American professional mixed martial artist. Penne currently competes in the Women's Strawweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She was the first Invicta FC Atomweight Cha ...

. She lost in a close split decision and was awarded Fight of the Night. Markos filled in for the injured

Cláudia Gadelha Ana Cláudia Dantas Gadelha (; born December 7, 1988), is a retired Brazilian mixed martial artist who competed in the Women's Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of 2022, Gadelha works for the Ultimate Fightin ...

at UFC 186, taking on Aisling Daly. She won via unanimous decision. Markos faced promotional newcomer

Karolina Kowalkiewicz Karolina Kowalkiewicz (born 15 October 1985) is a Polish mixed martial artist. She currently fights for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She is the former KSW Women's Flyweight Champion. Mixed martial arts career Early career Kowalk ...

on December 19, 2015 at UFC on Fox 17. She lost the fight by unanimous decision. Markos defeated Jocelyn Jones-Lybarger at UFC Fight Night 89 on June 18, 2016, by unanimous decision. Markos took on Cortney Casey at

UFC 202 The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Zuffa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. It is the largest MMA ...

; she lost in the first round via armbar. Markos next faced

on February 19, 2017 at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Browne. She won the fight by split decision. On August 5, 2017, Markos faced Alexa Grasso at UFC Fight Night: Pettis vs. Moreno. Grasso came in at 119 lbs, three pounds over the strawweight limit, at weigh-ins, and was fined 20% of her purse, which went to Markos. The bout proceeded at a catchweight. Markos lost the fight via split decision. Markos faced Juliana Lima on January 27, 2018 at UFC on Fox 27. She won the fight via unanimous decision. Markos faced Nina Ansaroff on July 28, 2018 at

UFC on Fox 30 ''UFC on Fox: Alvarez vs. Poirier 2'' (also known as ''UFC on Fox 30'') was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship held on July 28, 2018 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Background The ...

. She lost the fight via unanimous decision. Markos faced promotional newcomer

Marina Rodriguez Marina Alcalde Rodriguez (born April 29, 1987) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist (MMA). She currently competes in the Strawweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of November 8, 2022, she is #5 in the UFC women's stra ...

on September 22, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 137. The back and forth contest was ultimately ruled a majority draw. Markos faced Angela Hill on March 23, 2019 at UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Pettis. She won the fight due to an armbar submission in the first round. This win earned her the

Performance of the Night UFC Bonus Awards are three separate cash bonuses usually awarded to four fighters after each UFC event, based on internal decisions by UFC management. More/fewer bonuses have been awarded at some events, especially when no knockouts or submissions ...

award. Markos faced

on July 6, 2019 at

UFC 239 ''UFC 239: Jones vs. Santos'' was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that was held on July 6, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, part of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area. Background A UFC Light Heav ...

. She lost the fight via unanimous decision. Markos faced Ashley Yoder on October 26, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 20. She won the fight via split decision. Markos faced

Amanda Ribas Amanda Ribas (born August 26, 1993) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist. She currently competes in the Strawweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of August 15, 2022, she is #9 in the UFC women's strawweight ...

, replacing injured Paige VanZant on March 14, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 170. She lost the fight via unanimous decision. Markos faced

Mackenzie Dern Mackenzie Lynne Dern Santos (born March 24, 1993) is an American professional mixed martial artist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. She is a former world No. 1 ranked IBJJF competitor, currently ranked 6th among the female divisions. She is ...

on September 19, 2020 at

UFC Fight Night 178 ''UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Woodley'' (also known as ''UFC Fight Night 178'', ''UFC on ESPN+ 36'' and ''UFC Vegas 11'') was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on September 19, 2020 at th ...

. She lost the fight via submission in the first round. Markos faced promotional newcomer

Kanako Murata Kanako Murata (村田夏南子, born August 10, 1993) is a Japanese female mixed martial artist who competes in the Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional mixed martial artist since 2016, Murata has also comp ...

, replacing injured

Lívia Renata Souza Lívia Renata dos Santos Souza (born March 11, 1991), also known as Livinha Souza, is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who competes in the Strawweight division. She has previously competed in the UFC and Invicta Fighting Championships, where s ...

, on November 14, 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. dos Anjos. She lost the fight via unanimous decision. Markos was scheduled to face Luana Pinheiro on March 27, 2021 at

UFC 260 The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Zuffa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. It is the largest MMA ...

. However, Markos was removed from the card on March 18 after testing positive for COVID-19. The bout was rescheduled for May 1, 2021 at UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Procházka. Markos lost the bout via disqualification in the first round after accidentally upkicking Pinheiro in the head, resulting in Pinheiro being unable to continue. Markos faced

on October 23, 2021 at UFC Fight Night 196. She won the fight via unanimous decision. After her last bout, it was announced that her UFC contract was not renewed.

Championships and achievements

Mixed martial arts

Ultimate Fighting Championship The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Zuffa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. It is the largest MMA ...

** Fight of the Night (One time) vs.

(One time) vs. Angela Hill **2nd-most fights in the UFC Strawweight division (18) *Provincial Fighting Championships **Provincial FC Strawweight Title (One time)

Mixed martial arts record

, - , Win , align=center, ,

, Decision (unanimous) , UFC Fight Night: Costa vs. Vettori , , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas (; Spanish for "The Meadows"), often known simply as Vegas, is the 25th-most populous city in the United States, the most populous city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County. The city anchors the Las Vega ...

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, Decision (unanimous) , UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. dos Anjos , , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

, United States , , - , Loss , align=center, 10–9–1 ,

, Submission (armbar) , UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Woodley , , align=center, 1 , align=center, 3:44 ,

, United States , , - , Loss , align=center, 10–8–1 ,

, Decision (unanimous) , UFC Fight Night: Lee vs. Oliveira , , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

Brasília Brasília (; ) is the federal capital of Brazil and seat of government of the Federal District. The city is located at the top of the Brazilian highlands in the country's Central-West region. It was founded by President Juscelino Kubitsche ...

, Brazil , , - , Win , align=center, 10–7–1 , Ashley Yoder , Decision (split) , UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Askren , , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

Kallang Kallang is a planning area and residential town located in the Central Region of Singapore. Development of the town is centered around the Kallang River, the longest river in Singapore. Kallang Planning Area is bounded by Toa Payoh in the n ...

, Singapore , , - , Loss , align=center, 9–7–1 ,

, Decision (unanimous) ,

, , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 9–6–1 , Angela Hill , Submission (armbar) , UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Pettis , , align=center, 1 , align=center, 4:24 ,

Nashville, Tennessee Nashville is the capital city of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the seat of Davidson County. With a population of 689,447 at the 2020 U.S. census, Nashville is the most populous city in the state, 21st most-populous city in the U.S., and t ...

, United States , , - , Draw , align=center, 8–6–1 ,

, Draw (majority) , UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Anders , , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

São Paulo São Paulo (, ; Portuguese for 'Saint Paul') is the most populous city in Brazil, and is the capital of the state of São Paulo, the most populous and wealthiest Brazilian state, located in the country's Southeast Region. Listed by the Ga ...

, Brazil , , - , Loss , align=center, 8–6 , Nina Ansaroff , Decision (unanimous) , UFC on Fox: Alvarez vs. Poirier 2 , , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

Calgary, Alberta Calgary ( ) is the largest city in the western Canadian province of Alberta and the largest metro area of the three Canadian Prairies, Prairie Provinces. As of 2021, the city proper had a population of 1,306,784 and a metropolitan population ...

, Canada , , - , Win , align=center, 8–5 , Juliana Lima , Decision (unanimous) , UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2 , , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

Charlotte, North Carolina Charlotte ( ) is the List of municipalities in North Carolina, most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Located in the Piedmont (United States), Piedmont region, it is the county seat of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, Meckl ...

, United States , , - , Loss , align=center, 7–5 , Alexa Grasso , Decision (split) , UFC Fight Night: Pettis vs. Moreno , , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

Mexico City Mexico City ( es, link=no, Ciudad de México, ; abbr.: CDMX; Nahuatl: ''Altepetl Mexico'') is the capital and largest city of Mexico, and the most populous city in North America. One of the world's alpha cities, it is located in the Valley of ...

, Mexico , , - , Win , align=center, 7–4 ,

, Decision (split) , UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Browne , , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

Halifax, Nova Scotia Halifax is the capital and largest municipality of the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Nova Scotia, and the largest municipality in Atlantic Canada. As of the 2021 Census, the municipal population was 439,819, with 348 ...

, Canada , , - , Loss , align=center, 6–4 , Cortney Casey , Submission (armbar) ,

, , align=center, 1 , align=center, 4:34 ,

, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 6–3 , Jocelyn Jones-Lybarger , Decision (unanimous) , UFC Fight Night: MacDonald vs. Thompson , , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

Ottawa, Ontario Ottawa (, ; Canadian French: ) is the capital city of Canada. It is located at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River in the southern portion of the province of Ontario. Ottawa borders Gatineau, Quebec, and forms the core ...

, Canada , , - , Loss , align=center, 5–3 ,

, Decision (unanimous) , UFC on Fox: dos Anjos vs. Cowboy 2 , , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 , Orlando, Florida, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 5–2 , Aisling Daly , Decision (unanimous) , UFC 186 , April 25, 2015 , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

Montreal Montreal ( ; officially Montréal, ) is the second-most populous city in Canada and most populous city in the Canadian province of Quebec. Founded in 1642 as '' Ville-Marie'', or "City of Mary", it is named after Mount Royal, the triple- ...

Quebec Quebec ( ; )According to the Government of Canada, Canadian government, ''Québec'' (with the acute accent) is the official name in Canadian French and ''Quebec'' (without the accent) is the province's official name in Canadian English is ...

, Canada , , - , Loss , align=center, 4–2 ,

, Decision (split) , The Ultimate Fighter: A Champion Will Be Crowned Finale , December 12, 2014 , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 4–1 , Lynnell House , Submission (armbar) , PFC 2: Fight Night , March 8, 2014 , align=center, 1 , align=center, 1:57 ,

London, Ontario London (pronounced ) is a city in southwestern Ontario, Canada, along the Quebec City–Windsor Corridor. The city had a population of 422,324 according to the 2021 Canadian census. London is at the confluence of the Thames River, approximat ...

, Canada , , - , Loss , align=center, 3–1 ,

, Decision (unanimous) , RFA 12: Ortega vs. Koch , January 24, 2014 , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

Los Angeles, California Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the wo ...

, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 3–0 , Kara Kirsh , Decision (unanimous) , PFC 1: Unrivaled , October 26, 2013 , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

, Canada , , - , Win , align=center, 2–0 , Ashley Nichols , Submission (armbar) , Wreck MMA 2.0 , March 28, 2013 , align=center, 1 , align=center, 3:06 ,

Gatineau, Quebec Gatineau ( ; ) is a city in western Quebec, Canada. It is located on the northern bank of the Ottawa River, immediately across from Ottawa, Ontario. Gatineau is the largest city in the Outaouais administrative region and is part of Canada's Na ...

, Canada , , - , Win , align=center, 1–0 , Allanna Jones , Submission (armbar) , IFL 51: No Guts, No Glory , November 17, 2012 , align=center, 3 , align=center, 3:14 ,

Auburn Hills, Michigan Auburn Hills is a city in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 21,412 at the 2010 census. Before incorporating as a city in 1983, the area was part of the now-defunct Pontiac Township. It is home to Oakland Universi ...

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Mixed martial arts exhibition record

, - , Loss , align=center, 2–1 ,

, Submission (kimura) , rowspan=3, The Ultimate Fighter: A Champion Will Be Crowned , (airdate) , align=center, 1 , align=center, 2:44 , rowspan=3,

, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 2–0 ,

, Submission (scarf-hold armlock) , (airdate) , align=center, 1 , align=center, 2:46 , , - , Win , align=center, 1–0 , Tecia Torres , Decision (unanimous) , (airdate) , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

Amateur mixed martial arts record

, - , Win , align=center, 4–2 , Bernice Booth , TKO (punches) , XCC 64.5 - Battle at the Border 11 , November 13, 2010 , align=center, 1 , align=center, 2:27 ,

Port Huron, Michigan Port Huron is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of St. Clair County. The population was 30,184 at the 2010 census. The city is adjacent to Port Huron Township but is administered separately. Located along the St. Clair ...

, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 3–2 , Bernice Booth , Submission (armbar) , XCC 64 - Battle at the Border 10 , August 28, 2010 , align=center, 2 , align=center, 1:31 ,

Walpole Island, Ontario Walpole Island is an island and First Nations in Canada, First Nation Indian reserve, reserve in southwestern Ontario, Canada, on the border between Ontario and Michigan in the United States. It is located in the mouth of the St. Clair River on ...

, Canada , , - , Win , align=center, 2–2 , Alibeth Rall Milliron , Decision (unanimous) , IFL - Prepare for Impact , May 8, 2010 , align=center, 3 , align=center, 3:00 ,

, United States , , - , Loss , align=center, 1–2 , Kelly Warren , Submission (rear-naked choke) , IFL - Malice at the Palace , January 30, 2010 , align=center, 2 , align=center, 2:35 ,

, United States , , - , Loss , align=center, 1–1 , Kelly Warren , Decision (unanimous) , IFL - Righteous Rumble , November 14, 2009 , align=center, 3 , align=center, 3:00 ,

, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 1–0 , Tanya Lohr , Decision (unanimous) , IFL - No Pain, No Gain , September 19, 2009 , align=center, 3 , align=center, 3:00 ,

Rochester Hills, Michigan Rochester Hills is a city in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the city had a total population of 76,300. It is the 14th-largest city in Michigan. The area was first occupied by settlers of European descent in ...