Amanda Nunes, known as the “Lioness” of UFC, has become an icon not just because of her dominance in the ring, but also for her personal growth, including a notable weight loss transformation. Many fans remember the once-heavy, fierce competitor who moved through multiple divisions to secure her place as one of MMA’s greatest athletes. But behind the victory belts and knockout punches, Amanda’s journey has also been about something deeper: reclaiming her health, confidence, and self-worth.
From Heavy Struggles to The ‘Lioness’ Shape
Before Amanda Nunes began to slim down and shift her physical routine, she struggled like many do: balancing the demands of training with the realities of managing weight for fight divisions. At one point, she weighed 162 pounds—a far cry from the weight she aimed to compete at. And while the pressure to lose weight was ever-present in her career, Amanda wasn’t just shedding pounds for the scale. No, her transformation wasn’t about fitting into a number—it was about healing, about feeling like herself again.
In her own words, Amanda reveals, “I had to face my body and my mind. The weight loss wasn’t just physical; it was mental, too.” Through these words, we start to see the deeper layers of her commitment, an important aspect that mirrors the experience of many who undergo significant changes in their lives.
Shifting from the Old Amanda to the ‘New’
Anyone who’s followed Amanda’s career knows she was always a force to be reckoned with. Yet the weight loss journey that many thought would be simple—dropping a few pounds to get back to “competition weight”—was far from easy. The change was not immediate, nor was it without its share of doubts.
At the height of her career, Amanda weighed in at 145 pounds for her UFC fights, but it wasn’t always that smooth. “The first time I stepped on the scale, I didn’t recognize the woman looking back at me,” Nunes admitted. “I knew then that something had to change. Not just for the fight, but for my health, my mind, and my future.”
Amanda’s transformation didn’t come overnight. It took dedication, patience, and a complete overhaul of her training and eating routines. She recalls, “I took control of my diet. I started eating more intuitively, focusing on what fueled my body for peak performance, and not just what tasted good.” By adjusting her intake to meet her energy needs for training and recovery, she learned how to maintain a healthy balance of calories and nutrients.
The Power of Discipline: Amanda’s Nutrition & Fitness Plan
For Amanda, weight loss wasn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It was a process that required her to break free from the typical misconceptions about dieting and weight-cutting that are often prevalent in the fighting community. Rather than aiming for drastic, unsustainable changes, Amanda adopted a more sustainable and balanced approach. Her regimen included:
- Meal Planning: Carefully curated meals that provided adequate protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates to maintain energy levels for training.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated, which is often overlooked, became a priority. It’s not just about what you eat but how much water your body gets to flush toxins.
- Strength Training & Cardio: Nunes’s workout schedule incorporated both heavy lifting and intense cardio sessions, ensuring that she wasn’t just losing weight but building muscle, improving her endurance, and keeping her body injury-free.
A key factor in Amanda’s success was the decision to stop focusing on short-term fixes and to instead adopt a long-term, sustainable lifestyle. “I needed to trust the process,” she says, “It was never going to happen overnight. It took time, consistency, and understanding my body’s needs.”
Weight Loss Milestones: Numbers That Speak Volumes
Amanda Nunes’ weight loss journey is marked by impressive milestones. It’s not just the weight she lost; it’s the strength she gained. Starting from her heaviest weight of 162 pounds, Amanda has shed a substantial 17 pounds, now standing at a leaner 145 pounds. The transformation is visible not only in her physique but in her overall approach to life and fighting.
“I used to feel sluggish, but now I feel lighter, faster, and more agile,” Amanda shares with a proud smile, revealing her newfound strength and agility. And it’s not just about the scale anymore. Amanda’s focus has shifted from a number on a chart to a mindset of vitality, strength, and mental clarity.
Behind the Scenes: The Mental Transformation
While the physical aspects of Amanda’s weight loss journey are inspiring, the mental transformation she experienced is just as powerful. A fighter by nature, Amanda faced several personal battles along the way. The pressure to perform, the need to lose weight quickly for fights, and the exhaustion of balancing intense training with mental well-being were all challenges she had to navigate.
“It was hard to say no to things I loved. But I had to do it for my career and my future,” she confesses. “This wasn’t just about being a fighter; it was about being the best version of me.”
What many people don’t realize is that weight loss, especially for athletes like Amanda Nunes, isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about performance and self-mastery. “When you feel good inside, it translates into everything you do,” she says. For Amanda, the changes went beyond what was visible; they were rooted deeply in her sense of self.
The Impact on Her Career and Future Goals
Amanda’s weight loss success is more than just a personal victory; it has revitalized her career. After her stunning victories in the UFC, including dominant performances against some of the fiercest competition in women’s MMA, her physique now matches her fighting style. Leaner and stronger, Amanda is now able to move with greater speed and power in the octagon, securing her reputation as one of the most feared fighters in the sport.
“I feel like I’m at my peak, and this is just the beginning,” Nunes declares with a gleam in her eye. “The loss wasn’t just physical; it was about gaining confidence, regaining my power, and learning to love myself in the process.”
Conclusion: An Ongoing Journey of Health and Strength
Amanda Nunes’ weight loss journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, mental clarity, and embracing a balanced lifestyle. She proves that transformation isn’t just about numbers on a scale but about strength, self-awareness, and the ability to rise above challenges. As she continues to break barriers in the UFC, Amanda serves as an inspiration to anyone striving for change—whether in their body, mind, or spirit.
FAQ About Amanda Nunes Weight Loss
- How much weight has Amanda Nunes lost? Amanda Nunes has lost approximately 17 pounds, going from 162 pounds to her current weight of 145 pounds.
- What did Amanda Nunes do to lose weight? She adopted a balanced diet and workout regimen, focusing on strength training, cardio, and hydration.
- How has Amanda Nunes’ weight loss impacted her career? Her weight loss has improved her speed, agility, and overall performance in the octagon, further solidifying her status as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history.
- Is Amanda Nunes’ weight loss journey more about physical or mental transformation? While her physical transformation is impressive, Amanda emphasizes the mental clarity and confidence she gained throughout her weight loss journey.
- What advice does Amanda Nunes have for others looking to lose weight? “Trust the process. Be consistent, and remember that it’s about feeling good inside as much as looking good outside.”
