Damian Pinas

Early Life and Background

Damian Pinas, nicknamed “The Baba Yaga,” was born on March 12, 2002, in Paramaribo, Suriname—a South American nation with limited combat sports infrastructure and almost no international-level MMA representation. Growing up in Suriname, Pinas had minimal access to traditional MMA gyms or established fighting communities. Rather than allowing geographic limitations to constrain his ambitions, Pinas pursued kickboxing as his foundational martial art, developing his striking skills through the more accessible combat sport. His commitment to becoming an elite fighter despite geographic disadvantages demonstrates exceptional dedication and resourcefulness. Pinas eventually relocated to Aruba, a Caribbean island nation providing better access to training facilities and coaching. This relocation represented a significant sacrifice and commitment to his professional aspirations, leaving his home country to pursue development opportunities unavailable in Suriname.

MMA Debut and Rise to UFC

Pinas’s professional MMA career began in August 2022, relatively recently compared to many UFC competitors. He developed his record through regional Caribbean and international promotions, competing against varied opposition and building his experience rapidly. His professional record of 8-1 demonstrates exceptional performance with minimal losses—a winning record that speaks to his competitive quality and technical proficiency. In September 2025, Pinas earned his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series, becoming the first fighter to represent Aruba in the UFC. This distinction carries significant weight within Aruba’s sports community and represents a remarkable achievement for an island nation with virtually no international MMA presence before Pinas. His UFC debut came on February 28, 2026—the same event as this card—making him among the most recent additions to the UFC roster.

Fighting Style and Attributes

Pinas is fundamentally a striker, with his primary weapons being his hands and kicks developed through his kickboxing background. His professional record shows six knockout victories in eight wins, indicating significant striking power and finish-oriented mentality. His single submission victory suggests some developing grappling capability, though he is primarily defined as a striking specialist. His sole professional loss came by decision, indicating he can engage in competitive fights without getting dramatically finished despite losing. Standing 6’1” with reach capabilities typical of a middleweight, Pinas brings striking credentials and reach advantage to the 185-pound division. His training at Nova União, one of Brazil’s most prestigious jiu-jitsu and MMA facilities, suggests he’s developing his grappling alongside his striking to become a more complete fighter.

Career Highlights

• First Fighter to Represent Aruba in UFC – Pinas achieved a historic distinction as the first fighter from Aruba to compete in the UFC, representing his island nation on the world’s highest stage and establishing himself as his country’s most elite fighter internationally.
• 8-1 Professional Record – Maintaining an 89% winning percentage through his professional career demonstrates consistent success and technical proficiency against regional opposition, setting him up well for UFC-level competition.
• Six Knockout Victories – Pinas’s 75% knockout rate in his professional victories demonstrates significant striking power and his ability to finish fights dramatically through striking proficiency.
• DWCS Selection and UFC Contract (September 2025) – Earning his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series just months before his UFC debut reflects Dana White’s confidence in Pinas’s potential despite his minimal international profile prior to DWCS.

Damian “The Baba Yaga” Pinas represents the remarkable story of a fighter from one of the world’s least-developed MMA countries earning his place in the UFC. From Paramaribo, Suriname with virtually no infrastructure to Aruba and finally to the world’s premier fighting promotion, Pinas’s journey demonstrates the power of individual determination and the ability of elite talent to transcend geographic limitations.