Luana Pinheiro Biography: Boyfriend, Age, UFC Record, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Fights & Career

Luana Munize Barbosa Pinheiro, known professionally as Luana Pinheiro, is a Brazilian mixed martial artist competing in the Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Recognized for her judo-based grappling and evolving striking skills, she has built a reputation as a formidable fighter with a professional record of 11 wins and 5 losses, including notable victories in the UFC and regional circuits like Brave Combat Federation.

Pinheiro, a judo black belt and national champion, gained prominence after earning a UFC contract through a first-round knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2020, establishing herself as a rising star in women’s MMA.

Profile

• Full Name: Luana Munize Barbosa Pinheiro
• Stage Name: Luana Pinheiro
• Born: 18, November 1993
• Age: 31 years old
• Birthplace: João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Occupation: Mixed Martial Artist
• Height: 1.63m
• Parents: Mr. Pinheiro, Mrs. Pinheiro
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Boyfriends: Matheus Nicolau
• Children: None
• Relationship: Dating
• Net Worth: $50,000

Early Life and Education

Luana Munize Barbosa Pinheiro was born on November 18, 1993, in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil, to a family of judokas, with her father, a judo master, introducing her to the sport at age two. Details about her parents’ names and any siblings are not publicly disclosed.

Pinheiro relocated to Belo Horizonte in 2011 to pursue a spot on the Brazilian Olympic judo team but shifted to mixed martial arts in 2015 after her Olympic aspirations fell short. She did not attend college, focusing instead on her fighting career from her teenage years.

Her ethnicity is Brazilian, and her religious beliefs are not publicly known.

Career

Luana Pinheiro began her professional MMA career in 2016, leveraging her judo black belt and purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to dominate Brazil’s regional circuit. She amassed a 7-1 record, competing in promotions like Brave Combat Federation, where she secured submission victories over Elaine Leal and Yasmeli Araque.

Her breakthrough came on November 10, 2020, at Dana White’s Contender Series 35, where she knocked out Stephanie Frausto in the first round, earning a UFC contract. Her UFC debut on May 1, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 23 saw her defeat Randa Markos via disqualification due to an illegal upkick, marking a strong start in the promotion.

Pinheiro’s UFC career continued with a unanimous decision win over Sam Hughes in 2021 and a controversial split decision victory against Michelle Waterson-Gomez at UFC 287 in 2023, bringing her UFC record to 3-0 and earning her a #9 ranking in the women’s Strawweight division. However, she faced setbacks with a third-round TKO loss to Amanda Ribas at UFC Fight Night 232 in 2023, followed by a submission loss to Angela Hill via guillotine choke in 2024 at UFC Fight Night 241.

Her fight against Gillian Robertson at UFC Fight Night 247 in November 2024 ended in a unanimous decision loss, and she lost again to Tecia Pennington by unanimous decision on May 17, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 256, bringing her UFC record to 3-4.

Despite recent losses, Pinheiro remains a respected figure in the Strawweight division, ranked #18 as of 2025. She competed in the co-main event of ADXC 2 against Ffion Davies in January 2024, showcasing her grappling prowess outside the UFC.

Known for her judo techniques, particularly the seoi nage, and improving striking, Pinheiro continues to train rigorously at BH Rhinos in Belo Horizonte. Her advocacy for an atomweight division in the UFC reflects her ambition to compete at a lower weight class, and her resilience positions her as a fighter with potential to climb the rankings again.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @lupinheiromma
• Facebook Handle: Luana Pinheiro

Personal Life

Luana Munize Barbosa Pinheiro is in a relationship with fellow UFC fighter Matheus Nicolau, a ranked flyweight, whom she met in Belo Horizonte while pursuing their MMA careers. The couple frequently shares training and personal moments on social media, reflecting their mutual support.

Pinheiro has no children and maintains a disciplined lifestyle centered on training, meditation, and stretching.

Net Worth

Luana Munize Barbosa Pinheiro has an estimated net worth of $50,000 as of 2025. Her primary income stems from her UFC fight purses, with reported earnings including $65,000 for her fight against Angela Hill in 2024.

Additional revenue comes from sponsorships with brands like Venum, the UFC’s official outfitter, and local Brazilian companies, as well as her pioneering cryptocurrency payments.