Brazilian · Pojuca, Bahia, Brazil · Born 30 May 1988Retired Brazilian two-division champion who ended her career in 2023 with a title-defense win, entering the UFC Hall of Fame in 2025.
Amanda Nunes is the only fighter in UFC history, male or female, to hold two titles simultaneously and defend both — a feat she achieved across the bantamweight and featherweight divisions between 2016 and 2023, a reign that included first-round knockout victories over both Ronda Rousey and Cristiane Justino. Nunes, nicknamed "Lioness," became the first woman in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously, winning the bantamweight championship in 2016 and the featherweight title in 2018, and remains the only fighter, male or female, to defend two UFC titles while holding both at once. Nunes delivered one of the most dominant championship reigns in UFC history, compiling a 12-fight winning streak that included victories over legends Ronda Rousey and Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino, both by first-round knockout, cementing her status as the sport's most feared finisher. Nunes retired in 2023 and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2025, with UFC president Dana White calling her simply "the greatest female fighter of all time," a title widely echoed throughout the sport for a career built on sustained dominance across two divisions.
First woman to hold two UFC titles simultaneously; widely called greatest female MMA fighter ever
How They Played
Nunes is known for her aggressive striking and devastating knockout power, particularly with her hands. She combines excellent boxing technique with strong takedown defense and submission skills. Her ability to finish fights both standing and on the ground, coupled with her mental toughness in big moments, made her extremely dangerous across all areas of MMA.
Lasting Impact
Nunes is widely regarded as the greatest women's MMA fighter of all time, having cleaned out two divisions and defeated every former champion in her weight classes. Her dominance helped elevate women's MMA and proved that female fighters could be major draws and headliners.
Career Honours
- UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion 2016-2021, 2022-2023
- UFC Women's Featherweight Champion 2018-2021
- UFC Hall of Fame 2025
Brazilian Athletes