The strawweight fight found Nunes at 0-4 in the promotion, a rather surprising number considering she’d be kept around for a fifth out, one that was almost certainly do or die.

An exchange of kicks opened up Saturday’s strawweight affair, or “kicked it off,” pardon the pun. Lookboonmee looked sharper there, but Nunes was no slouch either. And about two minutes in, Nunes caught a kick and threatened to dump the Thai fighter. Lookboonmee stayed upright; seconds later, the fight was halted for an eye poked endured by Nunes.

The back half of the round continued to be competitive, with both fighters throwing hard. Surprisingly it was Lookboonmee initiating a takedown, which backfired as she went to the ground first, pulling Nunes down on top of her. Nunes mount up on top, threatening to pass to mount as a result, though Lookboonmee would regain guard.

Round two saw the fight move into grinding territory along the fence, with Istela Nunes putting her weight on Lookboonmee, controlling her. Lookboonmee stayed on her feet as Nunes sought out a takedown, with the Brazilian being warned more than once for having her fingers in the fence. When they did hit the mat, it was Lookboonmee on top, though Nunes had soon locked up a leg, looking for a heel hook.

The opening minute of round three was another battling along the fence, with Lookboonmee landing a takedown, settling down into Nunes’ guard. The rest of the round would play out there, with Lookboonmee in the driver’s seat, but little in the way of action unfolding. When the scores were read, all three judges had it for Lookboonmee, leaving Istela Nunes looking incredulous and exclaiming “what?!?” before exiting the cage.

Lookboonmee said following the win that she hoped to stay active in 2025 after missing most of last year due to a broken hand that required surgery.

Official Result: Loma Lookboonmee def. Istela Nunes by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

The post UFC Vegas 105: Loma Lookboonmee Gives Istela Nunes Fifth Straight Loss appeared first on Cageside Press.

Terrance McKinney reacts to UFC Vegas 77 loss

It was a rough night for UFC lightweight Terrance McKinney on Saturday, as he was submitted by Nazim Sadykhov at UFC Vegas 77. Shortly after the loss, McKinney was on social media giving his response.

Sorry guys my arm got trap shit happen I felt great all around moved good second avoids hit just got caught up in my takedown we willl be back love you guys who supported and watch

— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) July 16, 2023

AEW star Jon Moxley wins Jiu-jitsu match

Per ESPN’s Marc Raimondi, AEW pro wrestling star Jon Moxley won his division at the NAGA Cincinnati Grappling Championship on Saturday (no-gi, over 30, super heavyweight division). Formerly known as WWE’s Dean Ambrose, Moxley has incorporated the odd bit of jiu-jitsu into his wrestling moveset over the years.

AEW's Jon Moxley won his division in a jiu-jitsu tournament Saturday in Ohio. Moxley took home gold in the men's beginner 30-years-old-and-up no-gi division at super heavyweight (225 to 249.9 lbs.). Tournament was the NAGA Cincinnati Grappling Championship.

— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) July 16, 2023

Istela Nunes’ elbow injury — yikes!

UFC women’s strawweight Istela Nunes found herself in a must-win situation at UFC Vegas 77, down 0-3 in the promotion. But things went from bad to worse when Viktoriia Dudakova took her down — only for Nunes to post on her arm to break her fall, dislocating her elbow in the process.

UFC President Dana White later posted the x-ray on his Instagram. And while nasty it looks like a dislocation rather than a break. We’re not doctors, so take it with a grain of salt, but fingers crossed.

From Dana White's Instagram here is the X-Ray of Istela Nunes elbow. #UFCVegas77 pic.twitter.com/PQWZVgKTXz

— Jason Hagholm (@JHagholm1) July 16, 2023

Nunes, meanwhile, posted an update from her hospital bed.

Message from Istela Nunes (per her IG stories) pic.twitter.com/bO6fX1xBwM

— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) July 16, 2023

Boxer Gets the Boobies Out to Celebrate Win

Whatever Kyngpin Boxing is, it took place at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. The card featured social media content creators, because outside of the top names, that’s apparently where the money remains these days. In any case, after BKFC’s Tai Emery did it not too long ago, boxer Daniella Hemsley opted to flash the crowd after a decision win against someone named Ms. Danielka.

The crowd in Dublin clearly got an eyeful. As for Hemsley, what sort of content creator is she? She’s an OnlyFans girl. Well at least the math checks out.

Daniella Hemsley really flashed the live camera after her win 🫣 pic.twitter.com/vl77RLlIXf

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) July 15, 2023

For those so inclined, Twitter has the full, uncensored, bouncy celebration.

Ngannou vs. De Fries

Ever since Francis Ngannou signed with the PFL, there has been ample speculation about who his debut opponent will be. Ngannou first has a boxing match with Tyson Fury later this year, and is then expected to return to the cage some time in 2024.

Enter Phil De Fries. There’s a growing movement to have the current KSW heavyweight champ face off with “The Predator.” And it’s not as crazy as you think. De Fries notched his ninth consecutive title defense at KSW 84 on Saturday. He’s 10-0 in KSW, and on a twelve-fight win streak overall. It doesn’t matter what promotion you’re competing for: at heavyweight, where one punch can change everything in the blink of an eye, that is impressive.

Following De Fries’ submission win over Szymon Bajor on Saturday, Ariel Helwani got on the bandwagon. “Gimme Big Phil x Francis. That’s the fight. Make it happen,” Helwani wrote on social media, tagging both KSW and PFL. De Fries replied positively, saying “let’s make it happen.”

We spoke to De Fries earlier this year, and asked him about the possibility of fighting Ngannou. Here’s what he had to say about the possibility in February:

“I would love that fight, that would be fantastic. But I would also want loads of cash!” De Fries exclaimed. “I’m at a stage of my career, I’m 36. I’ll fight bloody anyone on the planet. I’m ready to fight anyone, I can prepare for anyone, I’m not going to say no to anyone, but I am going to say ‘yes, give me some more money!’”

KSW, meanwhile, stated that “the ball is in their court” (referring to the PFL), so it appears they’re at least open to some kind of co-promotion.

The post Sunday MMA Quick Hits: Ngannou vs. De Fries? Plus Istela Nunes’ X-Ray Is Wild appeared first on Cageside Press.

Contender Series alum Dudakova was 6-0 to start her career, while Nunes was 0-3 in the promotion and firmly in must-win territory.

Things did not go according to plan for Nunes, a ONE Championship event, with the situation going south soon after the opening bell.

The fight started and neither girl shied away from letting their hands go. Dudakova shot in for a low single, turned the corner on it as Nunes was going down; she landed on her arm only for it to bend back in gruesome fashion as she posted on it. The fight was over quickly due to the injury to Nunes, who at the least dislocated and quite possibly broke the limb.

Warning: this one's a tough watch. Istela Nunes' arm breaks as she goes to plant it off a takedown secured by Viktoriya Dudakova at #UFCVegas77 https://t.co/U9qSBVTo1I

— Shakiel Mahjouri (@Shak_Fu) July 16, 2023

Dudakova, who waited some time to make her promotional debut, comes away with the win. Speaking to Daniel Cormier following the fight, the undefeated strawweight admitted that she had hoped the fight would go longer. “Who would of thought I can break arms without even wanting to do so?” she quipped.

Official Result: Viktoriia Dudakova def. Maria Istela Nunes, round 1, TKO (arm injury), 0:34

The post UFC Vegas 77: Viktoriia Dudakova Wins Debut After Istela Nunes Mangles Arm appeared first on Cageside Press.

Former Combate Global tournament champion Jauregui had debuted against a fellow exciting prospect in Iasmin Lucindo in a big spot near the top of the main card at UFC San Diego earlier this year and lived up to the billing as the two put on a thrilling war, which Jauregui won by decision. On the other hand, Nunes had a rough start to her UFC career, losing her first two fights after only having lost to ONE champion Angela Lee prior to that. The Brazilian was a prohibitive underdog in this fight but looked to defy the odds and beat the 23-year old prospect Jauregui.

The two striking specialists came out throwing hard punches to start the fight, but Nunes slipped in some leg kicks as well. A big right hand from Jauregui was the biggest blow at first but after one minute a big right hand from Nunes dropped Jauregui, who was throwing a kick at the time. Yazmin switched to wrestling to try to get a takedown but Nunes defended successfully and got back to striking. Jauregui appeared to have recovered though, for now. Nunes’ footwork and muay thai skills were on point as she was able to often avoid Jauregui completely or land a counter and circle out of danger. With two minutes left in the round Jauregui got a nice single leg takedown but Istela Nunes sprung right back to her feet and threw a high kick. Jauregui was able to land some good strikes while blitzing in the closing seconds of the round but it was still likely Nunes’ round on the scorecards.

The second round was more of the same at first but then after one minute Jauregui blitzed and caught Nunes, dropping her. Yazmin tried to follow up with strikes to finish the fight but a hurt Nunes was able to clinch up to recover. Jauregui got the outside position but was unable or unwilling to separate for over thirty seconds until she landed two big elbows on the break. Then Jauregui dropped Nunes again almost immediately with a right hand and this time got on top in full guard to rain down hammerfists and elbows, doing significant damage while Nunes tried to control the posture from her closed guard. However, Jauregui postured up and almost opened herself up to an armbar but she passed guard to side control and almost put Nunes out with hammerfists.

Jauregui was taking risks by posturing up but her aggressiveness was very impressive. More elbows and straight punches from the top caused a hematoma to pop up on the eye of Istela Nunes and Keith Peterson stepped in after almost two minutes straight of uninterrupted ground and pound. Yazmin Jauregui opened the UFC Orlando card with a bang, continued her impressive unbeaten run as a pro fighter, and got her tenth career win in spectacular fashion, also showing that she can fight through extreme adversity.

The finish was just mean lol #UFCOrlando pic.twitter.com/hqp9R0bb1u

— Eddie Law 👊 (@ELaw32) December 4, 2022

Official Result: Yazmin Jauregui def. Istela Nunes by TKO (ground and pound), Round 2, 4:06

The post UFC Orlando: Yazmin Jauregui Overcomes Adversity, TKOs Istela Nunes After Knockdown appeared first on Cageside Press.

That bout will see Yazmin Jauregui (9-0) face off with Istela Nunes (6-3, 1NC) at the event on December 3, 2022. MMA Fighting was first to report news of the booking, which Jauregui later confirmed on social media.

Mexico’s Jauregui is undefeated through her pro career to date, dating back to her debut in 2018. She had her octagon premiere last time out, picking up a unanimous decision win over Iasmin Lucindo this past August.

A former ONE Championship fighter, Brazilian Nunes has lost both of her UFC contests to date, and is in must-win territory here. The 30-year old holds a win over Japanese veteran Mei Yamaguchi, but fell short against current ONE atomweight champ Angela Lee when they faced off in 2017.

UFC Orlando is expected to feature the following match-ups:

• Stephen Thompson vs. Kevin Holland
• Tracy Cortez vs. Amanda Ribas
• Matt Schnell vs. Matheus Nicolau
• Eryk Anders vs. Kyle Daukaus
• Derek Brunson vs. Jack Hermansson
• Marcelo Rojo vs. Francis Marshall
• Natan Levy vs. Genaro Valdez
• Michael Johnson vs. Marc Diakiese
• Angela Hill vs. Emily Ducote
• Scott Holtzman vs. Clay Guida
• Darren Elkins vs. Jonathan Pearce
• Rafael dos Anjos vs. Bryan Barberena
• Yazmin Jauregui vs. Istela Nunes

The post Yazmin Jauregui vs. Istela Nunes Booked for UFC Orlando appeared first on Cageside Press.

Jauregui (8-0) will face Istela Nunes (6-3) at a UFC Fight Night event on August 13, 2022. Iridium Sports Agency, who represent Jauregui, was first to reveal news of the match-up. The UFC newcomer also confirmed the booking on social media.

Mexico’s Jauregui will enter the UFC on a full head of steam later this year. In August of 2021, she won Combate’s one-night strawweight tournament, winning three fights in a single evening. Two of those three fights ended in first-round stoppages, though she’d go the distance in the opening round.

Jauregui has a total of six finishes in her eight pro fights. At 23, she’s yet to even hit her prime.

Brazil’s Nunes came up short in her last outing, which came against Sam Hughes last month. The majority decision loss put the former ONE Championship athlete at 0-2 in the octagon to date, making her August 13 showdown with Yazmin Jauregui a must-win situation.

The UFC’s August 13, 2022 Fight Night event does not currently have a venue, location, or broadcast plan reported, as it has not been officially announced by the promotion. No other fights have been revealed for the Fight Night card thus far.

The post UFC: Newcomer Yazmin Jauregui Meets Istela Nunes on August 13 appeared first on Cageside Press.

Their UFC Vegas 51 match-up featured early on the evening’s preliminary card.

Hughes, in must-win territory, started on the outside, but was soon coming forward to meet Nunes at center. Nunes fired a kick, and Hughes worked her jab. Nunes showed some stance switches, and fired a left hook that found success. She mixed up her kicks, but while moving in for a knee, Nunes’ fingers wound up in Hughes’ eye, briefly halting the fight.

Back underway, Hughes, bloodied, circled, looking for an opening while Nunes moved in-and-out, trying to draw her opponent in. Another kick was launched by Nunes; Hughes fired a jab. She finally found a home for her left hand, then closed the distance and latched on with a body lock. What Hughes could not do was land the takedown; Nunes broke free, and back at distance continued to outwork the American.

The first five minutes belonged to Brazil’s Istela Nunes. Round two saw Hughes looking to close the distance, but Nunes’ movement and takedown defense was serving her well. Hughes was eating a significant amount of strikes any time she pressed forward, and the damage was showing. Nunes, meanwhile, remained in her comfort zone. In the second half of the round, Hughes found her range, which coincided with Nunes slowing and eating a few shots herself. Hughes then drove her opponent into the fence, but Nunes circled out.

Still, Hughes found some more success in the last two minutes of the second round than she had in the entire fight, going to the body at times, and upping her output at her corner’s behest. By the end of the round, Hughes had landed a late takedown, landing in side control and peppering Nunes with punches from a crucifix position.

Letting it FLY in the second ✈️

[ #UFCVegas51 | Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/6jAp9sq9t7

— UFC (@ufc) April 16, 2022

Sam Hughes connected with a right hand early in the third, and that punch would be there again a moment later. Hughes then ducked a punch and closed the distance, but had to bail on a possible takedown. Hughes appeared to be picking up where she left off in the second, and while Nunes was still firing back, there was a lot less behind those punches. A second eye poke from Nunes then halted the action — and the ref took a point.

When the fight resumed, Hughes moved in for a body lock, took Nunes to the fence, and worked on a takedown. Nunes defended, but Hughes was still in control, pinning her, and finally just muscled her to the mat. Hughes moved to mount; Nunes bucked her off but Hughes held on and wound up in half guard. Short punches to the head by Hughes followed; she worked the body and tried to move to side control, though Nunes had her leg trapped. That still allowed Hughes to land some nasty elbows, and with the point deduction and a strong second half, Hughes had her first UFC win secured.

Official Result: Sam Hughes def. Istela Nunes by majority decision (29-27, 29-27, 28-28)

The post UFC Vegas 51: Strong Second Half Leads to First Win for Sam Hughes, Over Istela Nunes appeared first on Cageside Press.

On Monday, both Sam Hughes (5-4) and Istela Nunes (6-2) confirmed that they were lined up for the event, following an initial report by Dama de Ferro.

“Sampage” Hughes will be looking for her first win inside the octagon come April, in her fourth bout under the UFC banner. She made her promotional debut on short notice in December 2020, coming up short against Tecia Torres.

In her two subsequent outings, Hughes fell first to Loma Lookboonmee, then to Luana Pineheiro. Both fights went the distance.

Nunes, a former ONE Championship athlete, made her promotional debut last year, in a losing effort against fellow Brazilian Ariane Carnelossi. Nunes found herself caught in a rear-naked choke in the third round.

The UFC’s April 16, 2022 Fight Night event is expected to take place at the Apex in Las Vegas. The following fights have been reported for the card:

• Vicente Luque vs. Belal Muhammad
• Rafa García vs. Jesse Ronson
• Melsik Baghdasaryan vs. T.J. Laramie
• Drakkar Klose vs. Brandon Jenkins
• Miguel Baeza vs. Dhiego Lima
• Chris Barnett vs. Martin Buday
• Caio Borralho vs. Gadzhi Omargadzhiev
• Lina Länsberg vs. Pannie Kianzad
• Uriah Hall vs. André Muniz
• Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Mounir Lazzez
• Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Wu Yanan
• Victor Martinez vs. Jordan Leavitt
• Sam Hughes vs. Istela Nunes

The post Sam Hughes vs. Istela Nunes Planned for UFC’s April 16 Card appeared first on Cageside Press.

A USADA suspension had delayed that. But on Saturday, she finally arrived, with Ariane Carnelossi welcoming her to the promotion.

There was ample forward pressure from Carnelossi right away to start the fight. She was chucking overhands over the top finding the mark. Nunes was landing off her backfoot tagging Carnelossi. Carnelossi pressed forward with a barrage of output and closed it off with a takedown. A pretty blatant fence grab was ignored by the ref, and it wasn’t long until Nunes got back to her feet. Carnelossi was all over Nunes pressing her against the cage. Nunes eventually separated from Carnelossi. Nunes ended the round in space landing kicks and punches throwing good output.

Carnelossi came marching forward right away in round two. She walked into a good combination from Nunes. She was taking damage rushing in, but kept pushing Nunes against the cage. Carnelossi worked Nunes to the mat but Nunes got right back up. Two minutes left, and Nunes got away from Carnelossi along the cage. Each time Nunes had space she was landing combinations and kicks. The resilience of Carnelossi was on display as she closed the distance and completed another takedown. Nunes was able to get to her feet right before the bell.

Way more output from Nunes in round three. She was landing frequently and making Carnelossi pay coming in. Nunes kept letting Carnelossi walk her down however, and eventually she was taken down again. That time Carnelossi transitioned to the back and forced Nunes to tap from the rear-naked choke.

2nd straight stoppage win for @AnySorriso 🇧🇷

[ #UFCVegas40 | Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/w0nkwpTqNB

— UFC (@ufc) October 16, 2021

Carnelossi fought a smart game plan, with the takedowns key. Spoiling the debut of Istela Nunes in the end.

Official Result: Ariane Carnelossi def. Istela Nunes by Submission (rear-naked choke), Round 3, 2:57

The post UFC Vegas 40 Results: Ariane Carnelossi Spoils Istela Nunes’ Octagon Debut appeared first on Cageside Press.

Istela Nunes
5’4″
Strawweight
29-years-old
Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
Paraná Vale Tudo
7-1
2 KO/TKO

How will Nunes fare in the UFC:

Nunes is a stellar prospect that has a lot of potential. Wanting to keep the fight standing, the Brazilian has excellent kickboxing. She has excellent distance management maintaining it with her movement and kicks, as she uses the teep kick often. Her kickboxing is her main weapon and instantly you will see the stellar technique and diversity.

Nunes kicks more than she punches and although that’s her strong suit, she’s much better when she throws it all together. Her right hook-left hook-left head kick combination is a nice combo she throws often. Nunes’ biggest flaw is her takedown defense, getting taken down too easily in the past. Off her back, she’s not where she needs to be. I’ve had high praise for her in the past but the layoff is concerning.

• Striking: B-
• Kickboxing: A-
• Clinch: B
• Wrestling: D
• Grappling: D
• Striking Defense: B
• Takedown Defense: C-
• Cardio: B+
• Biggest Strength: Kickboxing
• Biggest Weakness: Ground game

How Nunes matches up with Carnelossi:

Carnelossi is a bull, always coming forward looking to land big shots. The Brazilian has power but it’s her constant pressure and will that break her opponents. She’s going to test Nunes right away.

Nunes wants a striker and that’s what Carnelossi is. Carnelossi isn’t too technical either and that’s good news for Nunes. Carnelossi is a tough girl to put away and very durable. That spells trouble for Nunes, especially off a long layoff. I’d like Nunes if this was in 2019 but there are too many questions with her leading into this fight. Nunes probably has bright spots early but I think Carnelossi takes over as the fight goes on.

The post Welcome to the UFC: Istela Nunes appeared first on Cageside Press.