Amanda Nunes is widely regarded as one of the greatest female mixed martial artists of all time. Her career, spanning over a decade, has been marked by unprecedented success, historic achievements, and a level of dominance rarely seen in the sport. Known for her power, technique, and tactical intelligence, Nunes has left an indelible mark on the world of combat sports. It’s been two years since the “Lioness” retired, so let’s dive into her career and what made her special.
Early Life and Introduction to MMA
Born on 30 May 1988 in Pojuca, Bahia, Brazil, Amanda Lourenço Nunes grew up in a sports-oriented family. Encouraged by her mother and older sister, she initially trained in karate before transitioning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) at the age of 16. Her passion for combat sports soon led her to mixed martial arts (MMA), where she started training at Edson Carvalho’s gym in Salvador, Brazil.
In pursuit of greater opportunities, Nunes moved to the United States to train at the renowned American Top Team (ATT) in Florida, a gym known for producing elite fighters. This decision played a pivotal role in shaping her career, providing her with world-class coaching and training partners.
Early Career and Road to the UFC
Nunes made her professional MMA debut on 8 March 2008 against Ana Maria in Prime MMA Championship 2. Although she lost via armbar submission, this setback did not deter her. Over the next few years, she honed her skills and compiled an impressive record in regional promotions, fighting in Strikeforce and Invicta FC before earning a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2013.
Dominance in the UFC
Nunes made her UFC debut on 3 August 2013 at UFC 163, where she secured a first-round TKO victory over Sheila Gaff. Her aggressive striking and knockout power quickly gained attention, and she continued to climb the ranks of the women’s bantamweight division.
Winning the Bantamweight Title
Her breakthrough moment came at UFC 200 on 9 July 2016, where she challenged Miesha Tate for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship. Nunes dominated the fight, submitting Tate in the first round with a rear-naked choke to become the first openly gay UFC champion. This victory marked the beginning of her reign at the top of women’s MMA.
Defeating Ronda Rousey and Cementing Her Legacy
Nunes’ first title defence came against former champion and MMA superstar Ronda Rousey at UFC 207 on 30 December 2016. Many expected Rousey to make a triumphant return, but Nunes had other plans. She overwhelmed Rousey with her striking, securing a TKO victory in just 48 seconds. This performance solidified Nunes as the new face of women’s MMA.
Becoming the First Female Double Champion
On 29 December 2018, at UFC 232, Nunes moved up to the featherweight division to challenge Cris Cyborg for the UFC Women’s Featherweight Championship. Cyborg, known for her fearsome knockout power, was considered one of the most dominant fighters in MMA history. However, Nunes shocked the world by knocking out Cyborg in just 51 seconds. With this victory, she became the first woman in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously.
Defending the Throne
Nunes continued to defend both her bantamweight and featherweight titles against top contenders, including Holly Holm, Germaine de Randamie, and Felicia Spencer. Her ability to adapt to different fighting styles, coupled with her well-rounded skill set, made her a formidable champion.
In 2021, she suffered an unexpected loss to Julianna Peña at UFC 269, ending her bantamweight title reign. However, true to her resilient nature, Nunes reclaimed the belt in a dominant rematch at UFC 277 in July 2022, further cementing her legacy.
Retirement and Legacy
On 10 June 2023, after defending her bantamweight title against Irene Aldana at UFC 289, Amanda Nunes announced her retirement from professional MMA. She left the sport as the longest-reigning female champion in UFC history, having defeated every former bantamweight and featherweight champion before her.
Her retirement marked the end of an era, but her impact on MMA remains profound. Nunes not only shattered records but also paved the way for future female fighters, proving that women’s MMA can headline major events and generate global interest.
Final Thoughts
Amanda Nunes’ career is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and excellence. From her early struggles in Brazil to becoming the most dominant female fighter in UFC history, she defied expectations and redefined the sport. Her legacy will be remembered as one of greatness, inspiring the next generation of fighters to dream big and push boundaries.
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