Amanda Nunes

Amanda Lourenço Nunes, known globally as "The Lioness," is a Brazilian-American mixed martial artist widely recognized as the greatest female fighter in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall with a reach of 69 inches, she competed at 135 pounds using an orthodox stance. She holds the distinction of being the only woman to simultaneously hold UFC championships in two different weight classes: bantamweight and featherweight. Her aggressive striking style and elite grappling skills made her a dominant force from 2013 until her retirement in 2023.

As of 2026, Nunes remains a prominent figure in the athletic world, balancing her transition into motherhood with discussions regarding a potential comeback against Olympic judoka Kayla Harrison. She currently resides in Florida with her partner, Nina Ansaroff, and continues to be a leading voice for gender equality and athlete compensation in the sport. Her legacy includes multiple Performance of the Night bonuses totaling over $1 million in career earnings and induction into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023.[edit]

Born on May 30, 1988, in Pojuca, a small municipality in the state of Bahia, Brazil, Amanda Lourenço Nunes grew up in a modest household where physical activity was a daily necessity rather than a hobby. She began her martial arts journey at age 15 after her older brother introduced her to Judo, an art form that would become the foundation of her fighting career. The family relocated to the United States when she was a teenager, settling in Florida, where Nunes navigated the challenges of adapting to a new culture while attending high school and pursuing higher education.

Before stepping into the professional cage, Nunes worked various jobs to support herself and her training regimen. She spent time working as a dental assistant and later as a personal trainer, roles that required discipline and physical endurance. During this period, she competed in regional promotions like King of the Cage and Strikeforce, honing her skills against local talent. Her breakthrough moment arrived in 2013 when she signed with the UFC, quickly rising through the ranks with a reputation for finishing fights early. This era marked the end of her struggle for recognition and the beginning of her ascent to the pinnacle of the sport.[edit]

Nunes made her UFC debut in 2013 and rapidly established herself as a top contender. Her defining moment came on August 20, 2016, at UFC 200, where she defeated Ronda Rousey via first-round knockout in just 48 seconds. This victory not only captured the women's bantamweight title but also ended Rousey's undefeated streak, signaling a seismic shift in the power dynamics of women's MMA. On July 9, 2018, at UFC 232, Nunes defeated Cris Cyborg to win the featherweight title, becoming the first woman in UFC history to hold two championships simultaneously.

Her reign as a two-division champion included successful defenses against Holly Holm, Miesha Tate, Germaine de Randamie, Valentina Shevchenko, and Megan Anderson. In June 2023, at UFC 289, she defeated Julianna Peña in a rematch to reclaim the bantamweight belt before officially retiring from the sport shortly thereafter. As of 2026, she has been linked to potential matchups against Kayla Harrison and Cris Cyborg, though no official bouts have been confirmed. Her legacy includes multiple Performance of the Night bonuses totaling over $1 million in career earnings and induction into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023.[edit]

Portrayed as a fierce, confident, and unapologetic competitor, Nunes balances her aggressive ring persona with warmth and vulnerability off the mat. Her signature aesthetic includes bold tattoos, athletic attire, and a lion motif that reflects her nickname, "The Lioness." Media coverage consistently emphasizes her resilience, intelligence, and role as a trailblazer for gender equality in sports. Unlike many fighters who rely solely on intimidation, Nunes projects an image of calculated precision and business acumen, often speaking directly about pay equity and the future of women's MMA.

Her influence extends beyond the octagon, featuring on the covers of major publications like Vogue in October 2019 and GQ in March 2022. These features highlight her status as a global icon who transcends combat sports. Critics and supporters alike acknowledge her ability to command respect through her words and actions, making her a symbol of empowerment for women in athletics worldwide.[edit]

According to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings data from September 2026, Amanda Nunes is the 63rd most famous person from Brazil and the 46th most famous person in MMA & Boxing. These placements reflect a sustained level of global attention that tracks media coverage and consumption signals worldwide, cementing her status far beyond the octagon. While there is no single formally registered name for her supporters like "Team X," fans universally identify under the banner of "Lioness Nation" or simply "Team Lioness," using it in social media hashtags and chants to distinguish their champion from others.

With over two million followers on Instagram alone, Nunes commands one of the largest followings in women's MMA history, driving pay-per-view buys and elevating the sport to mainstream prominence. The fanbase is characterized by its active digital advocacy, aggressively supporting her claims of being the greatest fighter ever while generating viral content for her anticipated return against Kayla Harrison at UFC 332. This anticipation has created a state of high energy rather than mourning, as supporters celebrate her personal milestones, including her pregnancy, alongside her professional dominance. Nunes interacts directly with this audience, sharing training updates and family moments that reinforce her fierce yet human persona.[edit]

Nunes is fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, a skill set that has facilitated her global appeal and allowed her to connect with fans across three continents. She holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the Gracie Barra system and is a certified personal trainer. Beyond the octagon, she is known for her love of video games, often spotted playing titles during interviews or press conferences, which adds a relatable dimension to her fierce persona. One of the most iconic moments in modern fight lore involves her declaration after UFC 232 that she was the "greatest MMA fighter ever, men included," a statement that sparked global debate and cemented her status as a controversial yet undeniable GOAT candidate.

Notable quotes from her career include "I'm not here to make friends; I'm here to make history," spoken before UFC 200. She has been featured on the cover of Vogue and GQ, marking her transition into a broader cultural icon. Her fighting stance is orthodox, and she stands 5 feet 8 inches tall with a 69-inch reach. Fans often recount her 48-second knockout of Ronda Rousey as the moment that signaled a new era for women's fighting.[edit]

Nunes was born into a close-knit family in Bahia, Brazil, where her brother played a pivotal role by introducing her to Judo at age 15. The family unit relocated to the United States during her teenage years, establishing roots in Florida where they supported her early athletic pursuits. Beyond her immediate family, Nunes maintains strong ties to her Brazilian heritage, often speaking Portuguese and Spanish to connect with fans across three continents. She values privacy regarding her extended relatives, rarely discussing them in public forums to maintain a clear boundary between her private life and her public persona.

The couple resides in Florida, where they focus on building their family and managing Nunes's post-fighting ventures. Their home serves as a sanctuary away from the intense media scrutiny that follows her career achievements. Nunes has expressed a deep commitment to raising her child in an environment that balances discipline with love, drawing inspiration from her own upbringing in a modest household where hard work was essential.[edit]

Greg Jackson, Mike Winkeljohn, Dana White, Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, Valentina Shevchenko, Kayla Harrison[edit]

Nunes's romantic life gained significant public attention following her relationship with Nina Ansaroff, a former professional soccer player. The couple met in 2016, and their partnership quickly became a focal point in the MMA community due to its visibility in a traditionally male-dominated sport. They have been together since 2016, and in 2026, they are expecting their first child together, a milestone confirmed by shared pregnancy photos released in July 2026. This union has been described as stable and supportive, with Ansaroff often accompanying Nunes to events and training camps.

Prior to meeting Ansaroff, Nunes maintained a relatively private dating life with no publicly documented long-term relationships. Her focus remained firmly on her career and training, allowing her to build a formidable reputation without the distraction of high-profile romances. The couple now resides in Florida, where they are preparing for parenthood while Nunes considers her future in the sport. Their relationship represents a significant chapter in her life, blending her fierce athletic identity with her role as a mother-to-be.[edit]

iFANN Editorial Team research places Amanda Nunes's net worth at approximately $15 million as of 2026. This estimate aggregates figures from Forbes, Celebrity Net Worth, and Bleacher Report, which range between $10 million and $15 million depending on the inclusion of real estate holdings and recent venture capital. Her wealth stems primarily from lucrative UFC purses, with some individual fights earning her over $1 million. Endorsement deals with major brands like Reebok and Monster Energy have significantly boosted her income, alongside revenue from her own training facility, Lioness Studio.

In addition to fight earnings, Nunes has invested in fitness and wellness brands, contributing to her financial stability post-retirement. Real estate assets in Florida and Brazil further bolster her portfolio. While specific figures for upcoming comeback negotiations remain confidential, analysts suggest these could add substantially to her total if finalized. Her financial trajectory reflects her status as one of the highest-paid female athletes in history, with a diversified income stream that extends well beyond the octagon.[edit]

Nunes is the only woman inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame (Class of 2023) as a contributor for her groundbreaking achievements. Her record includes multiple Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses totaling over $1 million in career earnings. In 2022, she was ranked #1 in the UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings, a position she held for several years. Her legacy is further cemented by her inclusion in numerous Greatest of All Time lists, with *Rolling Stone* ranking her #1 among female fighters in 2021 and *ESPN* naming her the greatest female athlete of the decade in 2020. [edit]