The UFC kicks off its 2024 year on Saturday with UFC Vegas 84, a Fight Night card headlined by light heavyweights Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker. New year, new talent in action, and one of those is Felipe Bunes, who has been paired up with Josh Van.
Felipe “Felipinho” Bunes
Standing at five-foot-seven
Fighting at 125 lbs (flyweight)
34-years-old
Fighting out of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
Training out of Pitbull Brothers
A pro record of 13-6
3 KO/TKOs, 8 Submissions
How Bunes will fare in the UFC:
Felipe Bunes was signed to the UFC after winning the LFA flyweight title but his UFC debut is coming a year later. He was supposed to fight in June of last year but had to pull out due to medical issues. Denys Bondar was supposed to be the opponent for Bunes at UFC Vegas 84 but he pulled out and now Bunes is fighting Josh Van.
On paper, Bunes doesn’t come off as a good signing. His record isn’t too stellar as he’s lost six times already. He’s also 34 in a young man’s division. If you look deeper into it however you will find out he’s in exciting fights and has basically proven himself. He fought for ACA/ACB for three years taking on tough competition. Bunes has a few good wins and has improved over the last few years.
How he matches up against Van:
Bunes is just outmatched in this fight by a large margin. On the feet, Van clears. His jab, leg kicks, and body work will add up against a more stationary Bunes. Van is just cleaner, faster, and stronger in the striking department. Bunes may have to use his grappling, and it’s still an area where Van is questionable at. He has improved his takedown defense in a big way and Bunes isn’t much of a wrestler however. I’d be surprised if Bunes won this.
