Challenges in the Life of Amanda Nunes in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 29, 2025

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Amanda Nunes. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Amanda Nunes is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist, renowned for her achievements in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She is a former UFC Women's Featherweight Champion and a two-time UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion. Notably, Nunes achieved the top spot in the UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings in 2022, solidifying her status as one of the sport's leading figures.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

March 8, 2008: Professional MMA Debut

On March 8, 2008, Amanda Nunes made her professional debut at Prime MMA Championship 2, facing Ana Maria. She was defeated by armbar submission in the first round.

June 18, 2011: Bout Cancellation Due to Injury

On June 18, 2011, Amanda Nunes was scheduled to fight Julie Kedzie at Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum in Dallas, Texas, but the bout was cancelled after Nunes sustained a foot injury.

September 10, 2011: Loss to Alexis Davis at Strikeforce

On September 10, 2011, Amanda Nunes fought Alexis Davis at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov and lost the fight via TKO in the second round after a strong start and subsequent exhaustion.

September 29, 2012: Strikeforce Fight Cancellation

On September 29, 2012, Amanda Nunes was scheduled to face Cat Zingano at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Healy, but the event was cancelled due to an injury sustained by Gilbert Melendez.

January 5, 2013: Loss to Sarah D'Alelio at Invicta FC 4

On January 5, 2013, Amanda Nunes returned to Invicta FC to face Sarah D'Alelio at Invicta FC 4: Esparza vs. Hyatt. Nunes lost the fight via unanimous decision.

April 5, 2013: Withdrawal from Invicta FC 5

On April 5, 2013, Amanda Nunes was scheduled to face Kaitlin Young at Invicta FC 5: Penne vs. Waterson, but she withdrew due to an arm injury.

September 27, 2014: Loss to Cat Zingano at UFC 178

On September 27, 2014, Amanda Nunes faced Cat Zingano at UFC 178. After nearly finishing Zingano in the first round, she lost via TKO in the third round.

July 8, 2017: UFC 213 Fight Cancellation

On July 8, 2017, Amanda Nunes was scheduled to face Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 213, but was hospitalized the morning of the fight with chronic sinusitis and the fight was cancelled.

May 9, 2020: UFC 250 Postponement

On May 9, 2020, Amanda Nunes was expected to face Felicia Spencer at UFC 250. However, on April 9, Dana White announced that the event was postponed.

December 2020: Featherweight Title Fight Postponement

In December 2020, Amanda Nunes was expected to defend her featherweight title against Megan Anderson at UFC 256, but the bout was postponed due to an undisclosed injury.

August 7, 2021: UFC 265 Fight Cancellation

On August 7, 2021, Amanda Nunes was expected to defend her bantamweight title at UFC 265 against Julianna Peña, but Nunes tested positive for COVID-19 on July 29 and the bout was cancelled.

December 11, 2021: Loss of Bantamweight Championship to Julianna Peña at UFC 269

On December 11, 2021, Amanda Nunes faced Julianna Peña at UFC 269. After dominating the first round, Nunes was submitted via rear-naked choke in the second round, losing her bantamweight championship.

May 2, 2023: Peña Injury and Aldana Replacement

On May 2, 2023, it was announced that Julianna Peña suffered broken ribs during training camp and would be unable to compete against Amanda Nunes at UFC 289. Irene Aldana agreed to replace Peña at the event.