Diego Nunes
Diego Nunes | “The Gun”
Ht: 5’6 – Wt: 145 – Age: 30
Born: Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Fights out of: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Team: Nova Uniao
Overall Record: 18-3
UFC Record: 3-2
Background:
Diego Nunes began his career in Brazil and quickly established himself as one of the top prospects in MMA. Nunes, training under the tutelage of Nova Uniao, held an 11-0 overall record, highlighted by knockout wins over Henrique Mello and Giovani Diniz. Nunes signed with the WEC in 2008 where he made his debut against Cole Province. Nunes defeated Province via unanimous decision, before moving on to beat Rafael Dias via the same fashion. Nunes seemed to be on the quick path to contender status, but was upset by L.C. Davis costing him his first professional loss. Nunes returned to defeat Raphael Assuncao in a decision that could have gone either way. Nunes finally seemed to get back on track with a one-sided decision over Tyler Toner before making his debut in the UFC. Nunes faced former WEC featherweight champion Mike Brown, and narrowly sneaked out a split decision. Nunes was rewarded with a co-main event duel with former lightweight contender Kenny Florian. Nunes put up a strong fight, but ultimately could not pull off the upset though he had Florian rocked at one point. Nunes moved on to face another former WEC featherweight champion in Manny Gamburyan, picking up a hard-earned decision victory.
2011 Breakdown:
Nunes fought three times in 2011, going 2-1 against very tough competition.
Nunes made his UFC debut at UFC 125, facing former WEC featherweight champion Mike Brown. Brown controlled the earlier parts of the fight with his takedowns and big right hand. In the 2nd round, Nunes stormed back despite a badly-damaged eye, using a variety of kicks and knees to temporarily take over the fight. The 3rd round was virtually even, but Nunes ended up scoring the split decision victory, propelling himself into title contention.
Nunes would get the honor of welcoming former lightweight contender Kenny Florian to the featherweight division at UFC 131. Nunes was able to use his striking and impressive takedown defense to arguably win the 1st round, but Florian was able to rely on his veteran savvy and improved wrestling to grind out the final two rounds for a decision victory. Nonetheless, Nunes looked impressive in the losing effort.
Nunes expressed a desire to fight Manny Gamburyan as they were initially scheduled to face off at UFC 135, but both fighters fell victim to injuries. The fight was pushed back to UFC 141. The fight was close through two rounds, but Nunes’ superior conditioning seemed to carry him to victory.
2012 Forecast:
Nunes is rumored to be leaving Nova Uniao heading into 2012. This may open up the doors to one day face former team-member Jose Aldo if he works his way up to a title shot. For Nunes to find continued success he will have to be wary of his lack of finishing skills, and begin formulating effective game plans. Nunes has an excellent package of striking and ground skills, but he has yet to fully maximize those skills in the UFC or WEC. Nunes can be a bit cautious and needs to start dictating the pace earlier in his fights, so he is not continually subjected to close decisions.
Diego Nunes Fight Record
Overall Record: 17-2
2008-2011 Record: 7-2
2011 Record: 2-1
Win | Manny Gamburyan | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 12/30/2011
Loss | Kenny Florian | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 06/11/2011
Win | Mike Brown | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 01/01/2011
2010 Record: 2-0
Win | Tyler Toner | Dec | Rd 3 | WEC | 09/30/2010
Win | Raphael Assuncao | Dec | Rd 3 | WEC | 06/20/2010
2009 Record: 1-1
Loss | L.C. Davis | Dec | Rd 3 | WEC | 11/18/2009
Win | Rafael Dias | Dec | Rd 3 | WEC | 08/09/2009
2008 Record: 2-0
Win | Cole Province | Dec | Rd 3 | WEC | 12/03/2008
Win | Marcelo Franca | Sub | Rd 1 | | 08/30/2008
