Amanda Nunes became the first openly gay UFC cage-fighting champion after a shocking first-round victory over Miesha Tate on Saturday.
“This is amazing,” Nunes
told USA Today of her victory against the bantamweight champion in just 3 minutes, 18 seconds.
The match was the third time the belt has changed hands since November. The little-known Brazilian fighter gained quick notoriety after winning the main event of UFC 200.
“To have our very first openly gay champion shows you how far this sport has come,” said UFC vice president of public relations Dave Sholler. “Amanda is an incredible ambassador. When you talk about all the great moments, having Amanda carry the flag literally and figuratively for the gay community is a seminal moment for our sport.”
After the win, Nunes pointed ecstatically at her girlfriend, Nina Ansaroff, saying, "The most important thing is I'm happy with my life. ... She means everything to me. This girl, she helped me every day,"
The Associated Press reported.
Nunes lives and trains in Florida with Ansaroff, who is also a mixed martial artist.
"She is so amazing, the most amazing person," Nunes said. "I love her so much. ... Nina is the best training partner I ever had in my life."
Ronda Rousey defended the title six times before losing it unexpectedly to Holly Holm last year,
CBS Sports noted. Rather than waiting for a rematch, Holm took a fight with Tate in March and was unexpectedly stripped of the title. The upsets continued Saturday with Nunes' win.
Twitter users shared many congratulations for the new champ.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.