“The Lioness Rises Again”: Amanda Nunes Enshrined in UFC Hall of Fame
By MMA Fight Coverage Editor Penny Buffington
In the storied world of mixed martial arts, few names resonate louder than Amanda Nunes. The former bantamweight and featherweight champion, known to millions as “The Lioness,” will now forever be remembered as one of the greatest to ever step into the Octagon. Today, UFC officially announced that Amanda Nunes will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2025, an honor that cements her place in the sport’s immortal legacy.
Set to take her rightful place in the Modern Wing this summer during UFC International Fight Week on June 26 at T-Mobile Arena, Nunes becomes just the third woman ever enshrined in the Hall—joining a small, elite group that changed the game for female fighters across the globe.
A Journey of Grit and Glory
Nunes’ path to greatness was not paved with ease. Her professional debut in 2008 ended in defeat—submitted by armbar in the first round. It could have been a career-ending moment for a lesser spirit. But for Nunes, it was just the beginning. From that early loss, she unleashed a fire that would fuel a 15-year journey defined by dominance, evolution, and legacy.
After signing with the UFC in 2013, she launched her Octagon career with back-to-back first-round TKOs, showing the world her power was no fluke. But the real turning point came after a loss to Cat Zingano. Instead of faltering, she surged—embarking on a legendary 12-fight win streak between 2015 and 2021.
Her resume reads like a graveyard of champions: Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, Holly Holm, Valentina Shevchenko (twice), Miesha Tate, Germaine de Randamie, Julianna Peña, Raquel Pennington. She didn’t just beat champions—she dismantled them, often in the first round, often with frightening ease.
As UFC President Dana White put it, “Amanda Nunes is the greatest female fighter of all-time… She had one of the most legendary careers in combat sports history.”
A Lioness in the Hall
Nunes retires with a record of 23-5 and a highlight reel most fighters only dream of. Her list of UFC records is staggering:
- First woman to hold two UFC titles simultaneously
- Most title fight wins in UFC women’s history (11)
- Most finishes (10), first-round finishes (9), and knockouts (7) in UFC women’s history
- Longest winning streak in UFC women’s history (12)
- Second-most UFC wins for a female fighter (16)
Beyond the numbers, Nunes was a symbol of resilience, power, and authenticity. An openly gay champion, she broke barriers outside the cage just as she did within it. With her wife, former UFC fighter Nina Nunes, and their two children by her side, Amanda inspired a generation—not only of athletes but of dreamers.
A Farewell Fit for a Queen
Nunes walked away on her terms in June 2023 after a dominant win over Irene Aldana, laying her gloves on the canvas in a moment of raw emotion and peace. Fans around the world wept—not just because the queen was leaving her throne, but because she had given them everything.
Now, she returns—not to fight, but to be honored. And rightfully so.
The Lioness has roared her last inside the cage, but her voice echoes eternally in the walls of UFC’s greatest legacy.
Congratulations, Amanda Nunes. You were not just a champion. You were a revolution.
For more on Amanda Nunes’ legendary career, explore her full UFC Fight Pass collection here.
She is coming back!!!!!
