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Amanda Nunes

Amanda Nunes is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Amanda Nunes is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She is the first woman in UFC history to become a two-division champion and is widely recognized as one of the greatest fighters in women’s MMA. In June 2023, she announced her retirement after defeating Irene Aldana, though later reports in 2025 said she planned a comeback.

Early life and background

Amanda Nunes was born in Pojuca, Bahia, Brazil, on 30 May 1988. She is known as 'The Lioness' and later represented Brazil in international mixed martial arts competition.

UFC career

Nunes joined the UFC in 2013 and became a two-division champion, holding both bantamweight and featherweight titles. She is noted for multiple successful title defenses and a series of high-profile wins.

Record and achievements

Her listed professional MMA record is 23–5, with 13 wins by knockout and 4 by submission. She is also described as the first and only woman to achieve simultaneous UFC double-champion status.

Retirement and comeback reports

Nunes announced her retirement in June 2023 after defeating Irene Aldana at UFC 289. In 2025, reports indicated that she planned to return to the UFC.

Key facts

  • Amanda Nunes is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and the first woman to hold two UFC titles at the same time.
  • She began her professional career in 2008 and fought in the UFC from 2013 onward.
  • Her professional MMA record is 23 wins and 5 losses.
  • She announced retirement in 2023 after UFC 289 but was reported to plan a comeback in 2025.
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Canadian context

Amanda Nunes is relevant to Canadian readers through UFC coverage in Canada and because her fights and title reigns were part of major international MMA events followed by Canadian sports audiences.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Amanda Nunes?
Amanda Nunes is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and former UFC champion who became the first woman to hold two UFC titles at the same time.
How old is Amanda Nunes?
She was born on 30 May 1988, which makes her 38 years old as of July 2026.
What is Amanda Nunes' record?
Her listed professional MMA record is 23 wins and 5 losses.
Who did Amanda Nunes lose to?
Her listed losses include defeats to Cat Zingano, Valentina Shevchenko, and Julianna Peña.
Is Amanda Nunes retired?
She announced her retirement in June 2023 after UFC 289, but later reports in 2025 said she planned to return.

References

  1. UFC — https://www.ufc.com/athlete/amanda-nunes
    Supports: Career highlights, pro debut, championship status, title defenses
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/bio/_/id/2516131/amanda-nunes
    Supports: Birthdate, nationality, division, retirement coverage
  3. Tapology — https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/amanda-nunes-lioness-of-the-ring
    Supports: Professional record, age, last fight, birthplace, losses
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanda_Nunes
    Supports: Career chronology, record totals, weight classes, retirement and return reports
  5. UFC Stats — https://ufcstats.com/fighter-details/80fa8218c99f9c58
    Supports: Official record listing