Luana Pinheiro

Luana Pinheiro (born November 18, 1993) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As of May 21, 2024, she is #12 in the UFC women's strawweight rankings.

Background
Pinheiro was born into a family of judokas and started the sport at the age of two in her hometown of João Pessoa. After an accomplished junior career in judo she moved to Belo Horizonte in 2011 in pursuit of a spot in the Brazilian Olympic judo team. However, her Olympic dreams didn't materialize and she opted to start training mixed martial arts in late 2015.

Early career
Pinheiro racked a 7–1 record, competing in Brazilian regional circuit and Brave Combat Federation before being invited to Dana White's Contender Series.

Dana White's Contender Series
Pinheiro faced Stephanie Frausto at Dana White's Contender Series 35 on November 10, 2020. She won the fight via first-round technical knockout and was awarded a UFC contract.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Pinheiro was scheduled to make her promotional debut against Randa Markos on March 27, 2021, at UFC 260. However, Markos was removed from the card on March 18 after testing positive for COVID-19. The bout was rescheduled for May 1, 2021, at UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Procházka. Pinheiro won the bout via disqualification in the first round after Markos accidentally upkicked her in the head, rendering her unable to continue.

Pinheiro was scheduled to make her sophomore appearance in the organization against Jessica Penne at UFC Fight Night 198 on November 20, 2021. However Penne withdrew from the bout for undisclosed reason and she was replaced by Sam Hughes. She won the bout via unanimous decision.

Pinheiro was again scheduled to face Jessica Penne on April 30, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 208. Their bout is once again cancelled due to Pinheiro pulling out due to an undisclosed injury.

Pinhero faced Michelle Waterson on April 8, 2023, at UFC 287. She won the close bout via split decision.

Pinhero faced Amanda Ribas on November 18, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 232. She lost the fight by TKO in the third round.

Pinhero faced Angela Hill on May 18, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 241. She lost the bout by a guillotine choke submission in the second round.

Professional grappling career
Pinheiro competed against Ffion Davies in the co-main event of ADXC 2 on January 19, 2024. She lost the match by submission in the first round.