Amanda Nunes is widely recognized as the greatest female mixed martial artist of all time (GOAT). Known as “The Lioness,” she is the only fighter in UFC history—male or female—to defend two championship belts simultaneously in two different weight classes. Her résumé reads like a Hall of Fame induction list, having defeated every woman who has ever held the UFC Bantamweight or Featherweight titles during her era, including Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, Holly Holm, Miesha Tate, and Valentina Shevchenko.
After retiring on top in June 2023, Nunes shocked the sports world in mid-2025 by announcing her return to the Octagon. Now, in late 2025, she stands on the verge of potentially the biggest moment of her career: a clash with the new dominant force, Kayla Harrison.
Amanda Nunes Quick Profile Summary
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Amanda Lourenço Nunes |
| Nickname | The Lioness (Leoa) |
| Date of Birth | May 30, 1988 |
| Age | 37 (as of late 2025) |
| Nationality | Brazilian 🇧🇷 |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Reach | 69 in (175 cm) |
| Weight Class | Bantamweight (135 lbs) |
| Fighting Style | Boxing, BJJ, Judo |
| Team | Lioness Studio (Florida) |
| UFC Status | Title Challenger / Returning Legend |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $8–10 million |
Biography
Early Life & Background
Amanda Nunes was born on May 30, 1988, in Pojuca, a small town outside Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Growing up in a rigorous environment, she channeled her energy into sports early on. She began with karate at age four and started boxing at sixteen. Her introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu came shortly after, under the guidance of her sister, leading her to eventually train in judo as well.
This multidisciplinary background formed the foundation of her fighting style. Unlike many of her peers who specialized in one area, Nunes developed knockout power in her hands while simultaneously becoming a black belt in BJJ, making her dangerous everywhere.
MMA Career & Rise
Nunes’ UFC career began in 2013, but her legendary run started at UFC 200 in 2016, where she submitted Miesha Tate to win the Bantamweight title. What followed was a reign of terror. She retired Ronda Rousey in 48 seconds, knocked out the terrifying Cris Cyborg in 51 seconds to become a double champion, and head-kicked Holly Holm.
She hit a stumbling block in 2021, losing her title to Julianna Peña in a massive upset, but avenged that loss brutally in 2022 to reclaim her belt. In June 2023, after dominating Irene Aldana at UFC 289, she laid both her belts in the center of the cage and announced her retirement, citing a desire to spend time with her family.
However, the competitive fire never truly extinguished. Watching the rise of Kayla Harrison—a fellow American Top Team alumna—sparked a desire to prove she was still the alpha. In 2025, Nunes officially unretired, setting the stage for a historic comeback.
Net Worth & How Much Amanda Nunes Makes Per Fight
As of late 2025, Amanda Nunes’ estimated net worth is between $8 million and $10 million. As the long-reigning face of women’s MMA, she commanded some of the highest purses in the sport.
Upon her return, reports suggest she signed one of the most lucrative single-fight contracts in UFC history. Her income is bolstered by her status as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ athletes, leading to partnerships with major global brands.
Where Does Amanda Nunes Live and Train?
Nunes resides in Coral Springs, Florida. For the majority of her championship run, she was the crown jewel of American Top Team (ATT). However, prior to her rematch with Julianna Peña, she left ATT to found her own private training facility, Lioness Studio.
For her 2026 comeback, she continues to train at her private facility but has reportedly brought in specialized training partners to mimic Kayla Harrison’s judo-heavy style.
UFC / MMA Career Record
Nunes’ record is historic not just for the number of wins, but for the caliber of names on it. She holds wins over seven current or former UFC champions.
As of late 2025, Amanda Nunes holds a professional MMA record of 23 wins and 5 losses.
Professional MMA Record (Selected Highlights)
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 10, 2023 | Irene Aldana | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | UFC 289 (Retirement Fight) |
| Jul 30, 2022 | Julianna Peña | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | UFC 277 (Won Title) |
| Dec 11, 2021 | Julianna Peña | Loss | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 2 | UFC 269 |
| Mar 6, 2021 | Megan Anderson | Win | Submission (Triangle Armbar) | 1 | UFC 259 |
| Dec 14, 2019 | Germaine de Randamie | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | UFC 245 |
| Jul 6, 2019 | Holly Holm | Win | TKO (Head Kick) | 1 | UFC 239 |
| Dec 29, 2018 | Cris Cyborg | Win | KO (Punch) | 1 | UFC 232 (Won Featherweight Title) |
| Dec 30, 2016 | Ronda Rousey | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | UFC 207 |
Next Fight & Career Outlook (2025–2026)
The stage is set for the biggest fight in the history of women’s combat sports.
Amanda Nunes is scheduled to challenge Kayla Harrison for the UFC Bantamweight Championship at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026.
This fight answers the ultimate “what if?” scenario. Nunes, the consensus GOAT with elite striking and power, versus Harrison, the Olympic Judoka with unparalleled grappling pressure. It is a clash of styles and legacies.
Family & Personal Life
Wife / Children
Amanda Nunes is married to fellow UFC veteran Nina Nunes (formerly Ansaroff). The couple is considered MMA royalty and has been open about their journey as an LGBTQ+ family. They have two daughters: Raegan Ann Nunes, born in September 2020, and Hazel Ann Nunes, born in late 2023 shortly after Amanda’s initial retirement. Amanda frequently cites her desire to show her daughters that “mommy is the strongest” as her main motivation.
Parents & Heritage
Nunes is fiercely proud of her Brazilian heritage. She was raised primarily by her mother, Ivete Nunes, and her two sisters, Valdirene and Vanessa. Her father was not present for much of her upbringing. This matriarchal environment instilled in her a deep sense of independence and resilience. She often travels back to Bahia to support her local community and has invested in gym facilities there to help underprivileged youth.
Lifestyle
In retirement, Nunes enjoyed a quieter life, focusing on coaching at her studio and raising her children. She is an animal lover, famously owning a small farm in Florida with various animals, including cows, chickens, and dogs. She is known for her relaxed, humorous personality outside the cage, often posting lighthearted videos of her family life, which contrasts sharply with her terrifying intensity inside the Octagon.
Amanda Nunes FAQ
Why did Amanda Nunes retire? She retired in June 2023, stating that she had accomplished everything in the sport and wanted to enjoy life with her family while her body was still healthy.
Why is Amanda Nunes coming back? The rise of Kayla Harrison—and the public debate over who would win between them—reignited her competitive drive. She stated, “The jungle has a new predator, but there is only one Lioness.”
Is Amanda Nunes still a double champion? No. When she retired, she vacated both the Bantamweight and Featherweight titles. She is returning as a challenger.
Who is the GOAT of women’s MMA? Amanda Nunes is widely considered the GOAT due to her victories over every other champion of her era (Rousey, Cyborg, Holm, Tate, Shevchenko).
Does Amanda Nunes still train at American Top Team? No. She left ATT in 2022 to open her own private gym, Lioness Studio, where she conducts her training camps.
Conclusion
Amanda Nunes has already written the history books, but she has returned to add one final chapter. Her comeback is not about money or fame, but about legacy. By facing Kayla Harrison at UFC 324, she is risking her perfect ending to prove, once and for all, that her reign as the Queen of MMA was not just a moment in time, but an unshakeable fact.
