Amanda Nunes Inducted into UFC Hall of Fame
LAS VEGAS — The UFC Hall of Fame has officially welcomed Amanda Nunes, widely regarded as the greatest women’s mixed martial artist of all time, during the annual ceremony held at the T-Mobile Arena. This event took place on Thursday, June 26, as part of the International Fight Week festivities, two days before the highly anticipated UFC 317 event.
Nunes stands out in history as the only fighter to have successfully defended titles in two weight classes while holding multiple championship belts. Throughout her illustrious career, she has achieved numerous milestones, including victories over iconic athletes such as Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, Valentina Shevchenko (twice), Miesha Tate, and Holly Holm.
“This honor signifies the hard work, sacrifice, and dedication I have put into this sport,” Nunes said. “I’m proud to represent women in mixed martial arts and show that we can be champions.”
In addition to Nunes, the Hall of Fame ceremony also celebrated other notable figures in the sport. Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum’s intense matchup at UFC 236 was recognized in the Fight Wing category. Meanwhile, Charles Oliveira, who is set to headline the upcoming pay-per-view against Ilia Topuria, received the Forrest Griffin Community Award for his contributions beyond the octagon.
Nunes’s induction comes as she prepares for her upcoming fight against Kayla Harrison, signaling that her career in mixed martial arts is far from over.
2025 UFC Hall of Fame Inductees
The complete list of inductees reflects a diverse array of contributions to the sport:
- Amanda Nunes – Modern Wing
- Robbie Lawler – Modern Wing
- Vitor Belfort – Pioneer Wing
- Mark Kerr – Pioneer Wing
- Israel Adesanya vs. Kelvin Gastelum – Fight Wing (UFC 236)
- Charles Oliveira – Forrest Griffin Community Award
- Craig Piligian – Contributors Wing
The ceremony serves as a celebration not only of individual accomplishments but also of the evolution of mixed martial arts as a globally recognized sport.
Significance of the Event
Amanda Nunes’ induction into the Hall of Fame highlights her role as a trailblazer for women in combat sports. As one of the first female fighters to gain widespread recognition, she has paved the way for future generations of athletes, demonstrating that women can achieve success in arenas that were historically male-dominated.
Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, underlines significant strides in gender equality within sports, inspiring many to challenge societal norms.
As the UFC continues to grow, events like the Hall of Fame ceremony become essential in honoring the past while looking forward to the future. The mixed martial arts community eagerly anticipates Nunes’ upcoming fight, and her continued influence will be felt long after her in-ring career concludes.
The UFC Hall of Fame stands not only as a memorial for champions but also as a reminder of the sport’s rich history and its ongoing evolution.
