UFCIstela Nunes Record: 6-6-0
StrawweightRecord6-6-0
Age33
DivisionStrawweight · #64
Combat Edge Elo1501
Last fightApr 5 2025
Istela Nunes has a 6-6-0 professional record and is 33 years old in the Strawweight division, representing Team Nunes. This profile tracks fight history, UFC stats, ELO rating, record, age, and opponent links.
Last updated Jun 19, 2026 · Combat Edge fight database
Istela Nunes bio
Personal background
Istela Nunes is a Brazilian strawweight who competes in the UFC out of Sao Jose dos Pinhais in the state of Parana. Born on July 23, 1992, she came to mixed martial arts from an elite Muay Thai background, earning recognition as a multiple-time Muay Thai champion before turning to the cage. Her striking pedigree produced one of the most memorable moments of her early career – a viral triple head-kick knockout in 2016 – and remains the foundation of her game. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner as well, Nunes fights out of Team Nunes and, at 5'4" with a 66-inch reach, brings notable length and a kicking-heavy style to the 115-pound division.
Path to the UFC
Nunes turned professional in 2015 and built her early record in Brazil, winning her first bouts by knees, decision and a spectacular head kick. Her talent quickly drew international attention, and she signed with Singapore-based ONE Championship, where she announced herself with a unanimous-decision win over the vastly more experienced Mei Yamaguchi in 2016. That run included a 2017 title challenge against undefeated atomweight queen Angela Lee, who submitted her by anaconda choke in the second round, followed by a bounce-back decision win over Gina Iniong in 2018. Her form on the global stage paved the way to a UFC contract.
UFC run
Nunes made her UFC debut in October 2021 against Ariane Carnelossi, falling to a third-round rear-naked choke. She returned in April 2022 against Sam Hughes, dropping a majority decision, then faced unbeaten Yazmin Jauregui in December 2022, who stopped her with punches in the second round. In July 2023 her bout with Victoria Dudakova ended in a gruesome first-round elbow dislocation. She returned in April 2025 against Loma Lookboonmee, again coming up short on the scorecards over three rounds.
Fighting style
Nunes is a striker at heart, a Muay Thai stylist whose kicking arsenal – head kicks in particular – produced the highlight finishes of her early career. Both of her knockout wins reflect that stand-up emphasis, though her overall 33% finish rate underscores that much of her best MMA work has come on the scorecards. The honest reality of her UFC tenure is that the competition has been unforgiving: her promotional losses span submissions, decisions and a stoppage by injury, and her grappling defense has been tested by the division's elite. Her viral knockout legacy, however, ensures she remains one of the more dangerous strikers when she finds her range.
Career highlights
- Viral head-kick knockout — her 2016 finish became one of the most-watched highlights of her career and showcased her Muay Thai pedigree.
- ONE Championship win over Mei Yamaguchi — beat a far more experienced veteran by unanimous decision on the international stage.
- ONE title challenge — earned a championship shot against undefeated star Angela Lee, a marker of how highly she was regarded early in her career.
Career snapshot
Istela Nunes career snapshot
EloCombat Edge Elo
1501Average ratingElo trajectory (last 3 years)
Overall#2750
Women's Strawweight#64of 66 active
Peak1609
Last move-11
Opponent quality1560avg. pre-fight Elo · last 10
Career-high 1609 Elo after defeating Mei Yamaguchi (2016-08-13)
Similar Elo in Women's Strawweight
Istela Nunes quick answers
What is Istela Nunes's record?
Istela Nunes's professional MMA record is 6-6-0.
How old is Istela Nunes?
Istela Nunes is 33 years old.
What weight class is Istela Nunes?
Istela Nunes fights at Strawweight in UFC.
How tall is Istela Nunes?
Istela Nunes is 5'4" tall with a 66" reach.
How much does Istela Nunes weigh?
Istela Nunes competes at Strawweight, with a most recent weigh-in of 115 lbs.
What is Istela Nunes's Combat Edge Elo?
Istela Nunes's Combat Edge Elo is 1501, with a peak Elo of 1609.
How strong is Istela Nunes's recent opposition?
Istela Nunes's latest 10 counted opponents averaged 1560 Elo immediately before their fights. This avoids using opponents' later career results with hindsight.
When was Istela Nunes's last fight?
Istela Nunes's latest tracked pro fight was against Loma Lookboonmee at UFC Fight Night on Apr 5 2025.
What is Istela Nunes's recent form?
Istela Nunes's recent tracked pro form is L-L-L-L-L over the latest 5 decisive pro results.
How does Istela Nunes usually win?
Istela Nunes's 6 recorded wins include 2 knockouts, 0 submissions, and 4 decisions, with 33% ending before the final bell.
2Wins by knockout
0Wins by submission
4Wins by decision
2Loss by knockout
2Loss by submission
2Loss by decision
Istela Nunes stats
Record : 6 / 6 / 0Significant strikes landed per minute
5.02Fighter3.68Division average
Significant striking accuracy
46%Fighter45%Division average
Significant strikes absorbed per minute
4.84Fighter4.24Division average
Significant strike defenseThe % of opponents strikes that did not land
60%Fighter54%Division average
Average takedowns landed per 15 minutes
0Fighter1.24Division average
Takedown accuracy
TBDFighter36%Division average
Takedown defenseThe % of opponents TD attempts that did not land
50%Fighter55%Division average
Average submissions attempted per 15 minutes
0Fighter0.38Division average
Pro fight history
ResultOpponentMethodTimeRoundEventDateFight details
Loading comments…