Between Rounds: “The Quiet Storm” Randa Markos

by Damon Smith · March 25, 2019

Randa Markos-Thomas is an Iraqi-born Canadian who fights in the UFC strawweight division. Holding a record of 9-6-1 Randa is currently ranked as the number 15 fighter in her division Markos is coming off an impressive win at UFC Nashville. “The Quiet Storm” is making some noise and now everyone is listening.

Adversity is nothing new to Randa and there is no fear in her eyes when she faces a challenge in or out of the cage. Markos was born in Iraq, her family was held at gunpoint and imprisoned during the Iran-Iraq War. They were able to escape and took a plane to Ontario, Canada, when she was just three years old. Nobody could have guessed the desire that burned inside Markos as a pharmacy technician in Windsor. This mild mannered and courteous young lady had a beast inside her and it wanted out, that beast wanted to feed.

Starting her professional career in November of 2014 Randa rolled off 3 straight wins before dropping a close decision to her TUF 20 teammate Justine Kish. How did “The Quiet Storm” react to her first loss? By bouncing back and submitting Lynnell House via armbar in the first round and capturing the PFC Strawweight title. Randa made a big splash in The Ultimate Fighter when she upset #3 ranked Tecia “The Tiny Tornado” Torres via decision. Felice Herrig was next and Markos made quick work of her defeating Herrig via scarfhold armbar, in the first round. Markos was paired up against Rose Namajunas in the final episode and fell victim to a submission but the impact of “The Quiet Storm” had clearly been felt.

Markos made her UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale. While she lost a split decision to Jessica Penne (many think Markos won that fight) she earned fight of the night honors and once again made her impact on the fans and UFC match makers. Through her next 8 fights Randa was up and down, literally. She won then lost 4 straight times. UFC Nashville set the stage for a little pay back. Markos tries to downplay it publicly but a win over Angela Hill who had taken some shots via social media and in the public eye would leave a sweet taste in the mouth of Markos. The storm was anything but quiet this past weekend when she delivered a dominating performance against Hill. Out dueling Hill in the striking game early landing pinpoint shots that were stiff and stunned her opponent Markos took the fight to the ground. and immediately looked to set up her submission attempt. Hill tried to hold her off and keep her arm tight but Randa took the arm cranked it hard and Hill tapped. The taste of victory and performance of the night honor was sweet the win being over Hill was even sweeter. Once again “The Quiet Storm” has made some noise and once again everyone is listening, watching and waiting to see what’s next.