María Guadalupe Godínez González (born September 6, 1993), also known as Lupita Godínez or by her nickname Loopy, is a Mexican and Canadian professional mixed martial artist. She currently competes in the women's Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of October 8, 2024, she is #11 in the UFC women's strawweight rankings.[5]

Loopy Godínez
BornMaría Guadalupe Godínez González[1]
(1993-09-06) September 6, 1993 (age 31)
Aguascalientes, Mexico
Other namesLoopy
NationalityMexican
Canadian
Height5 ft 2 in (1.57 m)
Weight115 lb (52 kg; 8 st 3 lb)
DivisionStrawweight
Reach61 in (155 cm)[2]
Fighting out ofVancouver, British Columbia, Canada
TeamTitan MMA (2014–present)[3]
Lobo Gym MMA (2021–present)[4]
RankPurple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Nabil Salameh[3]
Years active2018–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total17
Wins12
By knockout1
By submission2
By decision9
Losses5
By decision5
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

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At the age of 14, Godínez's father Carlos was approached by the cartel who demanded protection money. After he found a lot full of bullet-riddled cars and shattered windows, and answered phone calls with voices telling him his daughters' names and schools, Carlos decided to take his family and leave. Telling his family that they were leaving for Disneyland, instead they landed in Vancouver, where they had to start from scratch. They lived out of a hotel for six months, and did odd jobs such as washing cars to pay the bills. After life stabilized, Godínez was encouraged by her boyfriend to get back into judo that she had done since childhood, and then into jiu-jitsu.[6][7] She is a dual citizen of Mexico and Canada.[8]

Godínez has three younger sisters, of whom two – Karla and Ana – are accomplished wrestlers competing with the Canadian national team.[9][10]

Mixed martial arts career

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Early career

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Godínez began her MMA career as an amateur in 2016. Her debut match was held on June 18, 2016, and it was against Ali Cranmer. She won the match via decision. In her following bouts, she lost against Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels on two different occasions, on November 25, 2016, and February 18, 2017, respectively.[11]

Despite two straight losses, she bounced back and won her next two bouts against Ashlee Jarvis and Kyla Frajman. Her winning streak was stopped once again when she faced Tiffany Conama and Morgan Engelhardt, respectively.[7]

In her next two matches, she showed what she could as she defeated Alexandra Lucia Delgado-Lopez and Sam Hughes. When she won against Sam Hughes, she also captured the COGA Strawweight Championship. After that, she decided to turn professional.[7]

On June 30, 2018, Godínez made her professional MMA debut when she faced Jennah Macallister—she won the bout via a unanimous decision. She went on to defeat both Ashlee Mastin and Felisha Magallan in 2019.[7]

Godinez managed to capture the vacant BTC Strawweight Championship defeating Lindsay Garbatt at BTC 8 on November 30, 2019. In the next bout at LFA 94, Godinez captured the LFA Women's Strawweight Championship, defeating Vanessa Demopoulos via majority decision.[12]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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Godínez, as a replacement for Hannah Goldy faced Jessica Penne UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Gastelum on April 17, 2021.[13] Godinez lost the close bout via split decision.[14] 11 out of 17 media scores gave it to Godínez.[15]

Godínez, as a replacement for Stephanie Egger, was expected to face Sarah Alpar on May 22, 2021, on UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt.[16] The bout was scrapped completely a day later as Godínez wasn't able to get her visa in time.[17]

Godínez was expected to face Sam Hughes on October 8, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Rodriguez.[18] However, Hughes was pulled from the bout after testing positive for COVID-19 and was replaced by promotional newcomer Silvana Gómez Juárez.[19] She won the bout via armbar in the first round.[20] This fight earned her the Performance of the Night award.[21]

On a one-week turnaround, Godínez, as a replacement for Sijara Eubanks, faced Luana Carolina on October 16, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Ladd vs. Dumont.[22] With this bout, she earned the record for the fastest turnaround in modern UFC history at just seven days.[23] She lost the fight via unanimous decision.[24]

Godínez, replacing Cheyanne Buys, faced Loma Lookboonmee on November 20, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 198.[25] She won the bout via unanimous decision.[26]

Godínez faced Ariane Carnelossi on May 7, 2022, at UFC 274.[27] She won the fight via unanimous decision.[28]

Godínez faced Angela Hill on August 13, 2022, at UFC on ESPN: Vera vs. Cruz.[29] She lost the fight via unanimous decision.[30]

Godinez faced Cynthia Calvillo on April 8, 2023, at UFC 287.[31] She won the close bout via split decision.[32]

Godinez faced Emily Ducote, replacing Polyana Viana, on May 20, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 223.[33] She won the fight via unanimous decision.[34]

Godinez faced Elise Reed on September 16, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 227.[35] She won the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in round two.[36] This win earned her the Performance of the Night award.[37]

Godinez faced Tabatha Ricci on November 11, 2023, at UFC 295.[38] She won by split decision and became the first woman to win 4 fights in the UFC in a calendar year.[39]

Godinez faced Virna Jandiroba on March 30, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 54.[40] She lost the fight via unanimous decision.[41]

Godinez faced Mackenzie Dern on August 3, 2024, at UFC on ABC 7.[42] She lost the fight by unanimous decision.[43]

Championships and achievements

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Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
17 matches 12 wins 5 losses
By knockout 1 0
By submission 2 0
By decision 9 5
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 12–5 Mackenzie Dern Decision (unanimous) UFC on ABC: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov August 3, 2024 3 5:00 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Loss 12–4 Virna Jandiroba Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Blanchfield vs. Fiorot March 30, 2024 3 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 12–3 Tabatha Ricci Decision (split) UFC 295 November 11, 2023 3 5:00 New York City, New York, United States
Win 11–3 Elise Reed Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2 September 16, 2023 2 3:30 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 10–3 Emily Ducote Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Hill May 20, 2023 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Catchweight (120 lb) bout.
Win 9–3 Cynthia Calvillo Decision (split) UFC 287 April 8, 2023 3 5:00 Miami, Florida, United States
Loss 8–3 Angela Hill Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Vera vs. Cruz August 13, 2022 3 5:00 San Diego, California, United States Catchweight (120 lb) bout.
Win 8–2 Ariane Carnelossi Decision (unanimous) UFC 274 May 7, 2022 3 5:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 7–2 Loma Lookboonmee Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Vieira vs. Tate November 20, 2021 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Return to Strawweight.
Loss 6–2 Luana Carolina Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Ladd vs. Dumont October 16, 2021 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Flyweight debut.
Win 6–1 Silvana Gómez Juárez Submission (armbar) UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Rodriguez October 9, 2021 1 4:14 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Loss 5–1 Jessica Penne Decision (split) UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Gastelum April 17, 2021 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 5–0 Vanessa Demopoulos Decision (majority) LFA 94 October 30, 2020 5 5:00 Park City, Kansas, United States Won the LFA Women's Strawweight Championship.
Win 4–0 Lindsay Garbatt Decision (unanimous) BTC 8: Eliminator November 30, 2019 5 5:00 Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Won the vacant BTC Strawweight Championship.
Win 3–0 Felisha Magallan Decision (unanimous) Combate 42: Tahoe August 23, 2019 3 5:00 Lake Tahoe, Nevada, United States Catchweight (117 lb) bout.
Win 2–0 Ashlee Mastin TKO (submission to punches) SCL: Fight Night May 18, 2019 1 2:19 Golden, Colorado, United States
Win 1–0 Jennah Macallister Decision (unanimous) SCL: Army vs Marines 9 June 30, 2018 3 5:00 Denver, Colorado, United States Strawweight debut.

[47]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Loopy Godínez es una guerrera de 10 en UFC". Reforma (in Spanish). 2023-05-20. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  2. ^ "Stats | UFC". ufcstats.com.
  3. ^ a b Adam Woods (November 4, 2020). Lupita Godinez – via YouTube.
  4. ^ Carlos Contreras Legaspi (5 January 2022). "UFC: Lupita Godínez solo quiere pelear". ESPN (in Spanish).
  5. ^ "Rankings | UFC". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  6. ^ "Vancouver's Lupita Godinez travelled a long, Loopy road to UFC". theprovince. Retrieved 2021-10-16.
  7. ^ a b c d "LFA 94's Lupita 'Loopy' Godinez: Time to Shine". Combat Press. Retrieved 2021-10-16.
  8. ^ "LFA 94's Vanessa Demopoulos: Having Fun".
  9. ^ "Godinez Gonzalez leads Canada to two medals at U23 World Championships". wrestling.ca. November 5, 2021.
  10. ^ J.J. Adams (February 16, 2018). "Gonzalez sisters taking speedy path to wrestling success with Cascades". The Province.
  11. ^ "Lupita Godinez". Playerswiki. Retrieved 2021-10-16.
  12. ^ "LFA 94 results: Lupita Godinez claims title from Vanessa Demopoulos in bloody affair". MMA Junkie. 2020-10-31. Retrieved 2021-10-16.
  13. ^ Hannoun, Farrah (1 April 2021). "LFA champ Lupita Godinez signs with UFC, meets Jessica Penne on April 17". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  14. ^ Anderson, Jay (2021-04-17). "UFC Vegas 24 Results: After Four Years Away, Jessica Penne Returns with Win Over Lupita Godinez". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-04-18.
  15. ^ "Jessica Penne def. Loopy Godinez :: UFC on ESPN 22 :: MMA Decisions". mmadecisions.com. Retrieved 2021-04-25.
  16. ^ Jeremy Brand (2021-05-16). "Lupita Godinez steps in on short notice, takes on Sarah Alpar at UFC Vegas 27". mmasucka.com. Retrieved 2021-05-16.
  17. ^ Jeremy Brand (2021-05-17). "Visa issues scrap Lupita Godinez vs. Sarah Alpar on May 22". mmasucka.com. Retrieved 2021-05-18.
  18. ^ Mike Heck (2021-06-26). "Lupita Godinez vs. Sam Hughes set for UFC event on Oct. 9". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
  19. ^ Steve Duncan (2021-10-06). "Hughes fuera, Silvana Gomez Juarez enfrenta a Lupita Godinez en UFC Vegas 39". mma.uno. Retrieved 2021-10-06. (in Spanish)
  20. ^ Bitter, Shawn (2021-10-09). "UFC Vegas 39 Results: Lupita Godinez Taps Silvana Gomez Juarez Early". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-10-15.
  21. ^ a b "UFC Fight Night 194 bonuses: Women sweep extra $50,000 checks in Las Vegas". MMA Junkie. 2021-10-09. Retrieved 2021-10-10.
  22. ^ a b "Loopy Godinez gets record turnaround, replaces Sijara Eubanks at UFC Fight Night 195". MMA Junkie. 2021-10-13. Retrieved 2021-10-13.
  23. ^ Cruz, Guilherme (2021-10-12). "Lupita Godinez agrees to seven-day turnaround, fights Luana Carolina at UFC Vegas 40". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2021-10-16.
  24. ^ Evanoff, Josh (2021-10-16). "UFC Vegas 40 Result: Luana Carolina Edges Out Lupita Godinez". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-10-16.
  25. ^ "BREAKING: Cheyanne Buys out, Loopy Godinez in, treft Loma Lookboonmee tijdens UFC FN 198". MMA DNA. 2021-11-10. Retrieved 2021-11-11.
  26. ^ Lynch, Michael (2021-11-20). "UFC Vegas 43: Lupita Godinez Sets Record, Banks Win Over Loma Lookboonmee". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-11-21.
  27. ^ "Godinez vs. Carnelossi toegevoegd aan UFC 274". Eurosport (in Dutch). 2022-01-26. Retrieved 2022-01-27.
  28. ^ Anderson, Jay (2022-05-07). "UFC 274 Results: Career-Best Performance Sees "Loopy" Godinez Dominate Ariane Carnelossi". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-05-08.
  29. ^ Anderson, Jay (2022-06-30). "Angela Hill vs. Lupita Godinez Lined Up for UFC's October 15 Event". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-07-01.
  30. ^ Dewar, Val (2022-08-13). "UFC San Diego: Angela Hill Overcomes Early Adversity, Decisions Lupita Godinez". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-08-15.
  31. ^ Jay Anderson (2023-01-06). "UFC: Cynthia Calvillo Set for Strawweight Return on April 8 Against Loopy Godinez". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
  32. ^ Anderson, Jay (2023-04-08). "UFC 287: Lupita Godinez Takes Close Fight in Cynthia Calvillo's Return to Strawweight". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  33. ^ Jay Anderson (2023-05-08). "Loopy Godinez replaces Polyana Viana against Emily Ducote at UFC Vegas 73". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 2023-05-13.
  34. ^ Anderson, Jay (2023-05-20). "UFC Vegas 73: Loopy Godinez Earns Second Straight Win, Decisions Emily Ducote". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-05-21.
  35. ^ Raghuwanshi, Vipin (2023-06-22). "Anthony Hernandez vs Chris Curtis set for September 16 UFC Event". www.itnwwe.com. Retrieved 2023-08-19.
  36. ^ Anderson, Jay (2023-09-16). "Noche UFC: Loopy Godinez Puts On Stellar Performance Against Gutsy Elise Reed". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-09-17.
  37. ^ a b "Noche UFC bonuses: $50K jackpot for all finishers in Las Vegas". MMA Junkie. 2023-09-17. Retrieved 2023-09-17.
  38. ^ Sherdog.com. "Strawweights Tabatha Ricci, Lupita Godinez to Clash at UFC 295 in New York". Sherdog. Retrieved 2023-09-26.
  39. ^ Anderson, Jay (2023-11-12). "UFC 295: Loopy Godinez Sets Another Record in Win Over Tabatha Ricci". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-11-12.
  40. ^ "Loopy Godinez vs. Virna Jandiroba joins UFC's March 30 lineup". MMA Junkie. 2023-11-29. Retrieved 2023-11-29.
  41. ^ Anderson, Jay (2024-03-31). "UFC Atlantic City: Virna Jandiroba Fends Off Game Loopy Godinez". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  42. ^ Martin, Damon (2024-05-29). "Nick Diaz returns, Tony Ferguson moves to welterweight at UFC Abu Dhabi". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  43. ^ Jay Anderson (2024-08-03). "UFC Abu Dhabi: Mackenzie Dern Returns to Win Column, Gets Past Loopy Godinez". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  44. ^ Alex Behunin (2021-10-09). "UFC Vegas 43: For Loopy Godinez, Breaking Records Just the "Cherry on Top"". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 2021-11-21.
  45. ^ UFC (November 11, 2023). "UFC Fighter Stats - Women's Strawweight". UFC.
  46. ^ Danny Segura (2023-11-11). "Danny Segura of MMA Junkie - X". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
  47. ^ Sherdog.com. "Lupita Godinez". Sherdog.
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