We all know Amanda Nunes as the finest female fighter in the sport’s history. However, she isn’t just the first and only female holding two UFC belts at once. “The Lioness” has also faced off against virtually every major figure in women’s MMA.
Nunes has won four fights via submission and 13 by knockout, most of which occurred in the opening round. But we’ve collected the ones with the best finishes! Continue reading to learn more about them!
Nunes vs. Cris Cyborg (UFC 232)
In the MMA community, Cyborg was widely called “The Baddest Woman on the Planet.” Moreover, she had not lost since making her professional debut more than 13 years earlier.
As the bantamweight champion, Nunes was the underdog moving up a weight class, while Cyborg was the current featherweight champion and the betting favorite.
Both combatants exchanged blows quickly to start the fight. However, Nunes could clip Cyborg with a cleaner right hand after receiving a debilitating leg kick. Although Cyborg made a strong effort to recoil, her aggressive approach backfired, ending the fight quickly.
Nunes vs. Holy Holm (UFC 239)
The head-kick victory of Nunes over Holly Holm earns the second position on our list. This fight was simply tactical on Nune’s end. To get Holm to respond fatally, Nunes displayed a strong counter-striking strategy. And as Nunes has demonstrated in previous battles, she is skilled at taking advantage of opponents who are on one leg.
Nunes vs. Ronda Rousey (UFC 207)
Nunes’ first championship defense against the great Ronda Rousey edges out the top three.
Rousey attempted a long-awaited comeback after suffering a devastating knockout defeat to Holly Holm at UFC 193. This was where she received all of the publicity and fight promotion.
On the other hand, Nunes was not having any of it and showed up to weigh-ins wearing a mask that, in her eyes, signaled the coming of “The Lioness.” Accordingly, the first 48 seconds of the battle were among the most dominating you’ll ever witness in MMA. Nunes was essentially permitted to play Tommy Hearns in the octagon this time around since there weren’t many significant takedown threats to defend.
Nunes vs. Miesha Tate (UFC 200)
Nunes’ championship-winning effort against Miesha Tate at UFC 200 is ranked fourth.
Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Jon Jones, and Daniel Cormier were originally scheduled to headline the event. However, due to various events, Tate and Nunes ended up serving as the temporary main event.
Tate was expected to keep her title, but after the bell rang, the story soon changed. Tate’s takedowns were well-defended by Nunes. Furthermore, she successfully stuck to the champion at a distance and kept her in the path of her potent punches. Tate’s nose was severely busted up before a thankfully quick rear-naked choke provided the victory.
Nunes vs. Germaine de Randamie (UFC Fight Night 31)
Germaine de Randamie, a well-known striker, was making her second debut with the promotion. Also, she was coming off a competitive UFC debut against Julie Kedzie.
Nunes wisely steered clear of physical altercations with de Randamie. She decided to emphasize her ground game to the general public instead. The conclusion was hardly a formality as Nunes achieved victory.
This concludes our top-five finishes by Amanda Nunes. Which one did you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments!
