Felipe Bunes • Stats, Record and Fight History

BIO

FIGHTS

STATS

UFC HISTORY & CAREER

• UFC Fight Night(2/28/26) Bunes lost a three round split decision to Edgar Chairez
• UFC Fight Night(8/2/25) Bunes lost a three round unanimous decision to Rafael Estevam
• UFC Fight Night(1/11/25) Bunes submitted Jose Johnson via armbar at 2:04 of the first round
• UFC Fight Night(1/13/24) Bunes was stopped by Joshua Van via strikes at 4:31 of the second round

IMPORTANT FACTS

Pro since 2011

Three wins by KO, nine by submission (6 armbar, flying triangle armbar, reverse triangle armbar, triangle)

10 first-round finishes

Lost to current UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van in his UFC debut in 2024

Origin of nickname: “It's an endearing way to say Felipe, like ‘little Felipe.’”

Q & A

Q: When and why did you start training for fighting?

ANSWER: I started training for MMA in 2010. I was training BJJ and kickboxing but it wasn't challenging me anymore; I wanted something that would demand more from me.

Q: What ranks and titles have you held?

ANSWER: I’ve got regional and state titles in BJJ, a Pan-Am title but not from CBJJ. The lack of financial conditions prevented me from participating in the big IBJJF/CBJJ tournaments. I'm a BJJ black belt. And before signing with the UFC, I held the LFA Flyweight title.

Q: Who is your favorite fighter and why?

ANSWER: Ricardo Arona and Anderson silva. Whenever those guys stepped into action, the whole world would stop. Arona’s aggression and Jiu Jitsu were impeccable Anderson’s skills, I don’t even need to say anything, right?

Q: Do you have any heroes outside of fighting?

ANSWER: My late father has always been my hero. He made me who I am today.

Q: What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC?

ANSWER: I believe everyone who competes in MMA has a dream to fight in the UFC. I'm happy to finally be here. It was a long time coming but I never doubted it would happen. I have a lot to show and achieve in this weight class and I'll keep working towards it.

Q: What fight do you consider to be the key fight in your career?

ANSWER: My second fight in the UFC. Even though I fought in Russia and became an LFA Champion, winning a fight inside the UFC Octagon was incredible.

Q: What was your job before you started fighting?

ANSWER: I worked at a gas station, taught martial arts classes, drove Uber cars, delivered pizza. Many things.

Q: Specific accomplishments in amateur competition?

ANSWER: Several BJJ regional and state titles.

Q: Specific accomplishments in pro competition?

ANSWER: LFA Flyweight title

Q: Ranks in any martial arts styles:

ANSWER: BJJ 3rd degree black belt

Q: Do you have a cause that you want to use your platform for?

ANSWER: The fight against cancer. I lost my father to cancer, and my mother also suffered from it, but today she is doing well.

Q: Beyond a championship or money, what motivates you?

ANSWER: Everyone wants money, but that’s a consequence of hard work. What motivates me the most is building a strong legacy so my son Gohan can be proud of me.

Q: Favorite grappling technique:

ANSWER: Triangle choke and armbar

Q: Favorite Striking technique:

ANSWER: Jab, hook and cross

Q: Tell us about your life outside of fighting:

ANSWER: I’ve been single for almost 2 years. I have one son (Gohan) & a Bull Terrier. I don’t really do much outside training. When I’m not training, I’m teaching at my gym. My life is 100% focused on fighting.