Bianca Daimoni overcame personal tragedy, a near-death COVID-19 experience, and a career hiatus to defeat Ashley Brace in a bare-knuckle boxing match, marking her return to combat sports after nearly five years.
Bianca Daimoni stunned the crowd by defeating former champion Ashley Brace in a bare-knuckle bout at BYB. She triumphed in Cardiff, Brace’s home turf, marking her return to the ring as a victory in itself.
Daimoni’s comeback was nearly five years after her last professional fight in Rio de Janeiro. Her journey back was fraught with challenges, including a near-death experience during the pandemic, where she tragically lost her mother.
The 38-year-old was initially devastated by her first knockout loss to Mariana Morais, who then faced Kayla Harrison. This defeat, coupled with the pandemic, made Daimoni question her future in fighting.
In February 2021, both Daimoni and her mother contracted COVID-19. Despite her mother’s reluctance to seek medical help, they eventually went to the hospital, where Daimoni lost 70% of her lung function.
The hospital was overwhelmed, forcing them to share a room. When a single ICU bed became available, doctors chose Daimoni due to her youth, a decision that saved her life but left her mother vulnerable.
Daimoni was in a coma for eight days and awoke to the heartbreaking news of her mother’s passing. The shock was compounded by the absence of a funeral, leaving her in disbelief.
Discharged from the hospital, Daimoni returned home, forever changed. The loss of her mother deeply affected her mental health, delaying her return to the ring.
An old back injury resurfaced, requiring surgery in 2023. With support from her husband, coach, and friends, Daimoni found the courage to fight again, this time without gloves.
Despite doubts, she pushed through and won against Brace via split decision. With three more fights under contract, Daimoni is eager to remain active and explore opportunities in both MMA and bare-knuckle boxing.
“Invicta is interested, but we also enjoyed bare knuckle boxing,” Daimoni shared. Her community’s support, alongside her husband’s, played a crucial role in her comeback. Now, she looks forward to staying active in 2025.