Why is Amanda Nunes Considered the GOAT?

In the dynamic and often unpredictable world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), few fighters achieve a level of dominance that transcends their era. Amanda Nunes, a Brazilian MMA fighter, has not only achieved this but is widely regarded as the greatest female MMA fighter of all time. This distinction is rooted in a combination of her professional record, fighting style, accomplishments, and her impact on the sport.

Unparalleled Professional Record

Nunes’s professional record is a testament to her skill and consistency. With the majority of her victories coming by way of knockout or submission, she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to finish fights, often against highly ranked opponents. This aggressive and conclusive approach to fighting sets her apart from her contemporaries and predecessors.

Dominance Across Weight Classes

One of the defining aspects of Nunes’s career is her success in multiple weight classes. She has held titles in both the UFC Women’s Bantamweight and Featherweight divisions. This ability to compete and dominate across different weight classes is rare in MMA and highlights her versatility and adaptability as a fighter.

High-Profile Victories

The caliber of Nunes’s opponents further cements her status. She has defeated a number of the sport’s most notable fighters. For instance, her victory over Ronda Rousey, a dominant figure in women’s MMA, was particularly significant. Rousey was undefeated before encountering Holly Holm and Nunes, with Nunes’s victory marking a decisive end to Rousey’s era of dominance. Additionally, Nunes’s win over Cris Cyborg, who was undefeated for over a decade, was a milestone in women’s MMA. These victories underscore Nunes’s ability to excel against top-tier competition.

Striking and Ground Skills

Nunes is renowned for her striking power, which is among the best in women’s MMA. Her boxing skills, coupled with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, make her a formidable opponent in both stand-up and ground combat. This combination of striking and grappling abilities is rare and allows her to adapt her fighting strategy to suit different opponents.

Championship Reigns and Defenses

Nunes has had a significant reign as the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion since 2016 and held the Women’s Featherweight Championship from 2018 to 2021. Her ability to defend these titles multiple times against top contenders speaks to her skill, preparation, and adaptability.

Impact on Women’s MMA

Beyond her in-ring achievements, Nunes has profoundly impacted women’s MMA. Her performances have raised the bar for competition and have played a crucial role in increasing the visibility and popularity of female fighters in the sport.

Competition

To fully appreciate Nunes’s greatness, it’s instructive to compare her to other legendary female MMA fighters:

• Ronda Rousey: Rousey was a trailblazer in women’s MMA, known for her judo-based grappling and armbar submissions. However, Nunes’s striking ability and her decisive victory over Rousey highlight a more versatile and adaptive fighting style.
• Cris Cyborg: Cyborg was long considered the most formidable striker in women’s MMA, but Nunes’s knockout victory over her showcased superior striking skills and strategic acumen.
• Valentina Shevchenko: Shevchenko, known for her striking and grappling skills, has been one of Nunes’s toughest opponents. Their closely contested fights indicate a high level of skill and competitiveness in the division, with Nunes holding two wins over Shevchenko.
• Miesha Tate: Tate, a former bantamweight champion, is known for her wrestling and submission skills. Nunes’s victory over Tate for the bantamweight title showcased her ability to overcome a skilled grappler.

Conclusion

Amanda Nunes’s standing as the greatest female MMA fighter is a product of her impressive record, ability to win across weight classes, victories over elite fighters, striking and grappling skills, successful title defenses, and her overall impact on the sport. Her career is a benchmark for excellence in MMA, and she continues to be a defining figure in the sport.

In summary, Amanda Nunes’s blend of technical skill, strategic acumen, and consistent performance against the highest level of competition in a rapidly evolving sport solidifies her status as the greatest female MMA fighter of all time.