Felipe Bunes

Felipe Bunes is a Brazilian flyweight who arrived at the UFC in 2024 as an LFA champion with a strong grappling pedigree, but has struggled to gain traction at the highest level. His promotional debut in January 2024 came against Joshua Van, a rising prospect who would go on to capture the UFC Flyweight Championship in December 2025. Van's second-round TKO marked a brutal introduction to the octagon for Bunes, exposing gaps in his striking defense that have haunted him since. The setback could have derailed his entire run, but Bunes showed resilience by rebounding with a sharp first-round armbar submission over Jose Johnson in January 2025, proving his submission game remains a legitimate threat. However, that victory proved a false dawn. Bunes has since dropped consecutive decisions to Rafael Estevam (who notably missed weight by four pounds) and Edgar Chairez, culminating in a close split-decision loss in Mexico City on February 28, 2026 that led to his release from the UFC roster. His promotional record of 1-3 reflects a fighter caught between levels - too skilled for regional circuits but unable to consistently compete with the pace and precision of the UFC flyweight division. Bunes is a technical grappler with a knack for submission finishes, yet he has been consistently outworked on the feet by opponents who maintain higher striking volume and accuracy. At this juncture, his career hinges on finding the right mid-tier promotion to rebuild his resume and rediscover the winning formula that made him an LFA champion.