“Felipe Bunes” Mixed Martial Arts is an unforgiving sport, and nowhere is the margin for error slimmer than in the UFC’s 125-pound flyweight division. It is a weight class built on blistering speed, endless cardio, and razor-sharp technique. For a veteran to not only survive but thrive in this shark tank, they need a specialized set of skills and an unbreakable will.
Enter Felipe Bunes. Known to his fans and training partners as “Felipinho,” the Brazilian martial artist has carved out a respectable career through sheer grit, world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and a willingness to fight whoever the matchmakers put in front of him. In this deep dive, we are going to explore every facet of his career. We will cover the Felipe bunes age factor, detail the Felipe Bunes height advantages he brings to the Octagon, analyze the current Felipe Bunes record, revisit his recent clash in Felipe Bunes vs Rafael Estevam, and give you the ultimate preview of Felipe Bunes next fight. If you want the complete picture of this talented Felipe Bunes UFC athlete, you are in the right place.
Early Life and Martial Arts Foundation
Born on October 26, 1989, in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, Felipe Bunes grew up in a region historically rich in martial arts talent. Like many young athletes in his country, Bunes gravitated toward the mats early, discovering a natural aptitude for the grappling arts. His nickname, “Felipinho,” translates simply to “Little Felipe”—an endearing moniker bestowed upon him early in his training days.
Developing his skills under the banner of the legendary Pitbull Brothers gym—run by Bellator icons Patricio and Patricky Freire—Bunes was forged in a room full of world champions. Bunes dedicated his life to mastering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, eventually earning his black belt. His grappling style is not just about control; it is fiercely offensive. While some fighters use BJJ to stall or maintain top position, Bunes uses his guard and transitions to actively hunt for fight-ending submissions.
Transitioning to professional MMA in 2011, Bunes faced the harsh reality of the regional circuit. For nearly a decade, he bounced between local Brazilian promotions, fighting in promotions like Shooto Brazil and eventually making his way to international shows like Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) in Russia. Competing internationally exposed Bunes to the heavy wrestling and Sambo backgrounds of Eastern European fighters, forcing him to adapt and evolve his guard game.
The Physical Profile: Height, Age, and the Tale of the Tape
To understand how Bunes approaches a fight, you have to look at his physical attributes. The Felipe Bunes height is officially listed at 5 feet 7 inches (170.18 cm). In the flyweight division, where the limit is 125 pounds (56.7 kg), 5’7″ provides a substantial length and leverage advantage. He utilizes his long limbs crucially for his grappling. Long legs are a massive asset for a BJJ practitioner, allowing for tighter body triangles and far more leverage when applying chokeholds and joint locks.
When discussing his career trajectory, the Felipe bunes age is a frequent topic of conversation. Currently 36 years old, Bunes is in the veteran phase of a standard flyweight career. The lighter weight classes in MMA are heavily reliant on fast-twitch muscle fibers and explosive speed—attributes that traditionally fade as an athlete moves through their 30s. However, Bunes has mitigated the effects of aging by relying heavily on his fight IQ and intricate grappling game. Submission artists often age better than pure strikers because their game is built on timing, leverage, and positional awareness rather than pure speed.
Analyzing the Felipe Bunes Record
As of late February 2026, the Felipe Bunes record stands at 14 wins and 8 losses. While casual fans might look at an eight-loss record and dismiss a fighter, seasoned MMA analysts know that context is everything.
The Breakdown of his 14 Wins:
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Submissions: 9 (Showcasing his lethal proficiency on the ground, with a heavy emphasis on armbars and triangles).
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Knockouts/TKOs: 3 (Proving his hands carry enough respect to keep opponents honest).
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Decisions: 2
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First-Round Finishes: 10 (Indicating that when Bunes finds his opening, he closes the show immediately).
A pivotal moment in his pre-UFC career was his stint in the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA). In January 2023, Bunes faced Yuma Horiuchi for the LFA flyweight championship at LFA 149. Bunes delivered a spectacular performance, finishing Horiuchi in the first round to capture the title. Winning gold in the LFA—widely considered the premier feeder league for the UFC—was the ultimate proof that “Felipinho” was ready for the big show.
The Felipe Bunes UFC Journey: Triumphs and Tribulations
The transition to the global stage is never easy, and the Felipe Bunes UFC career has been a rollercoaster of high highs and frustrating lows.
The Debut: A Tough Lesson Against Joshua Van
After securing his UFC contract, Bunes made his highly anticipated promotional debut in January 2024 at UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2. He was paired against rising prospect Joshua Van. Despite a valiant effort, Bunes struggled to handle Van’s relentless pace and striking volume, eventually losing via TKO in the second round.
The Rebound: A Masterclass Against Jose Johnson
Exactly one year later, in January 2025, Bunes returned to the cage against Jose Johnson. This is where Bunes proved he belonged. Right from the opening bell, Bunes recognized Johnson’s striking threat and immediately sought to bring the fight to his domain.
In a beautiful display of transitional grappling, Bunes secured a takedown, isolated Johnson’s arm in a scramble, and locked in a textbook armbar. The tap came at just 2:04 of the very first round. It was a massive statement victory, reminding the division of his lethal finishing ability.
The Setback: Felipe Bunes vs Rafael Estevam
Riding high on momentum, Bunes was booked for a crucial domestic clash in August 2025. The Felipe Bunes vs Rafael Estevam matchup was viewed as a classic stylistic puzzle. Rafael “Macapa” Estevam, a highly touted, undefeated prospect (13-0 at the time) from Nova Uniao, brought relentless wrestling to the cage.
The fight was a grueling chess match. Estevam came in with a clear game plan: neutralize Bunes’ offensive guard by keeping him pinned to the mat. Throughout the three-round affair, Bunes struggled to create the necessary space to implement his submission attacks. While Bunes remained active off his back, Estevam’s base was simply too heavy. The judges scored the bout a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) in favor of Rafael Estevam, dropping Bunes’ UFC record to 1-2.
The Stakes Are High: 
If you are searching for news on the Felipe Bunes next fight, the wait is over. Today, Saturday, February 28, 2026, Felipe Bunes is stepping back into the Octagon at UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh. The event takes place at the massive Arena CDMX in Mexico City.
The Matchup: Edgar Chairez
His opponent is the dangerous Mexican prospect Edgar Chairez (12-6 MMA). Chairez is a fierce, aggressive fighter with a 100% finishing rate in his victories. He comes into this fight with a slight reach advantage and the undeniable backing of the passionate Mexican crowd.
The Altitude Factor
One of the most significant intangibles in this fight is the location. Mexico City sits at an elevation of 7,349 feet (2,240 meters) above sea level. For athletes unaccustomed to performing at high altitude, the thin air can drain their cardiovascular reserves in a matter of minutes. Bunes must have managed his training camp immaculately to acclimatize; otherwise, he runs the risk of gassing out early.
Keys to Victory
For Bunes to emerge victorious tonight, he needs to utilize his veteran savvy. Chairez is likely to start fast, fueled by the adrenaline of the home crowd. Bunes must weather the early storm, use lateral movement, and counter-wrestle. If the fight hits the mat, Bunes cannot afford to be on the bottom, playing purely defensive guard. He needs to secure top position and use heavy pressure to drain Chairez’s energy.
The State of the Flyweight Division
To fully appreciate Felipe Bunes’ position, we have to look at the broader landscape of the 125-pound division in 2026. The flyweight division is currently enjoying a golden era of talent. With champions and rising stars dominating the top 15, the skill floor required just to compete in this weight class has never been higher.
Unranked fighters like Bunes and Chairez are fighting not just for win bonuses, but for their livelihoods. Every time Bunes steps into the cage, he is fighting to prove that his age is just a number and that the years of toil on the regional scene were worth the sacrifice. The UFC flyweight division does not forgive mistakes, but Bunes navigates this minefield with a calm demeanor, trusting in the thousands of hours he has spent honing his craft at the Pitbull Brothers gym.
Final Thoughts
Felipe “Felipinho” Bunes is a testament to perseverance. From his early days grappling in Natal to headlining regional cards, and finally making it to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, his story is one of resilience. The Felipe bunes age of 36 hasn’t stopped him from stepping into the cage with some of the best in the world. His Felipe Bunes height and length make his grappling game terrifying, and the Felipe Bunes record reflects a man who constantly seeks the finish.
We’ve dissected the incredible highs of his Felipe Bunes UFC first-round armbar victory, and the tough lessons learned in the Felipe Bunes vs Rafael Estevam bout. But in this sport, you are only as good as your last performance, which makes the Felipe Bunes next fight against Edgar Chairez tonight an absolute must-watch.
