Story highlights Fighter Polyana Viana targeted in Brazil

Viana injured and subdued her attacker

Brazilian stayed 'calm' during ordeal

UFC star would not recommend her actions

(CNN) Inundated with messages of support after taking on a wannabe thief, UFC fighter Polyana Viana has begun to reflect on an incident that has gone viral.

The 26-year-old was waiting outside her apartment in Rio de Janeiro when she was approached by a man demanding her phone.

Viana's assailant had a fake gun but he hadn't accounted for the Brazilian's Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) training as she launched a devastating counterattack -- aiming two punches and a kick at the man before subduing him with a choke hold from behind.

"When he got close, I already thought if this guy is a thief, I'll do this and that. I already knew what I was going to do," Viana told CNN Sport.

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