Finally, some positive news for a change. UFC bantamweight Yana Kunitskaya announced Wednesday that she’s pregnant. The fighter known as ‘Foxy’ and who is partnered with fellow UFC athlete Thiago Santos, revealed the news on social media, posting a photo of the couple, and an ultrasound image.
A lot of people asking when is my next fight, I think I need to take some time off 🤰🏻Boy or girl? 🇷🇺🇧🇷 @TMarretaMMA @ufc @UFCRussia pic.twitter.com/rltUZ3fzBU
— Yana Kunitskaya (@YanaKunitskaya1) April 1, 2020
“A lot of people asking when is my next fight, I think I need to take some time off. Boy or girl?” Kunitskaya (12-5, 1NC) said in the posting.
The 30-year old Russian is 2-2 in the UFC to date. A former Invicta FC champion, she came into the UFC at featherweight, competing against then-champ Cris Cyborg at UFC 222 in 2018. Coming up short in that fight, she returned to the 135lb weight class, winning her next two bouts, against Lina Lansberg and Marion Reneau.
Her most recent outing, at UFC DC this past December, saw her stopped by Aspen Ladd in the third round.
Kunitskaya gave birth to her first child in 2013, and briefly retired, transitioning to coaching. Roughly three years later, she returned to the cage, fighting for the likes of ACB and Invicta FC.
Thiago Santos (21-7), 36, last fought at UFC 239 last year, battling to a thrilling split decision with light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. During the bout, Santos tore his LCL, PCL, MCL, meniscus, all in his left leg, and partially tore his right ACL. He also fractured his tibia.
This will be the couple’s first child together.
Update: Kunitskaya later revealed her announcement was an April Fool’s joke.
