Amanda Nunes Wins UFC 200, Becomes League’s First Openly Gay Champion

"The most important thing is I'm happy with my life," says Nunes, 28.
From: NewNowNext

 Amanda Nunes beat Miesha Tate at UFC 200 on July 9th, becoming the league’s first openly gay champion.

“It’s amazing,” said the 28-year-old MMA fighter from Brazil. “The most important thing is I’m happy with my life. That’s the most important thing.”


After being promoted to the main event just one day earlier, Nunes submitted Tate in the first round, winning the women’s bantamweight title.

She credits girlfriend Nina Ansaroff, who fights in the UFC women’s strawweight division, for her success.

“Nina is the best training partner I’ve ever had in my life,” she told MMA Weekly. This girl is going to be the next UFC champion. I’m telling you.”

Boat ride in rio. #loveher #forever pic.twitter.com/SCFsrSd9R3

— Nina Ansaroff (@NinaAnsaroff) August 2, 2013

“She means everything to me,” added Nunes. “This girl, she helps me with everything. I love her.”

While no male fighters have come out, Liz Carmouche and Jessica Andrade are among the out lesbians in the sport. The UFC has also stepped up support for the LGBT community in the wake of the Pulse nightclub attack with its new “We Are All Fighters” campaign.

Light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier and Mark Hunt wore the shirts ahead of UFC 200, according to ET.

#ufc200 pic.twitter.com/wbMSLaCsMQ

— Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) July 9, 2016

“Just as it takes courage to step into the Octagon, it takes courage to stand for what you believe in—and we’re proud to stand with members of the LGBTQ community in their fight for equality,” said UFC senior executive vice president Lawrence Epstein.

“As friends and allies… our hope is to raise awareness and help support community groups like the LGBTQ Center that directly impact LGBTQ individuals.”