DIEGO NUNES

ATTRIBUTES

OFFENSIVE SKILLS

DEFENSIVE SKILLS

ULTIMATE TECHNIQUES

RIGHT BACK KICK

Level 2—Both Standing, Striking Range

Nunes is a skilled kickboxer—unleash this unusual kick to crack rivals from afar with a strong yet unorthodox technique strike to the head.

RIGHT LONG STRAIGHT

Level 2—Both Standing, Striking Range

Nunes’s hands are also very effective weapons, especially when he throws this long right hand. Lash out with this quick, rangy straight to clip opponents from range.

RIGHT SPINNING BACK FIST

Level 2—Both Standing, Striking Range

opponents off guard with its long reach and unusual timing. Sneak in this powerful technique strike to rock Nunes’s rivals with some unexpected offense.

STRENGTHS

• Striking

• Heart

• Conditioning

Diego “The Gun” Nunes is a competitive UFC featherweight with a strong stand-up game and the ability to fight hard from bell to bell without becoming exhausted.

Use his explosive athleticism and deep gas tank to pressure his opponents throughout each fight, stalking them with his crisp and powerful kickboxing technique.

Land plenty of fast leg kicks to slow his opponents and make matters easier for “The Gun” on the feet.

Mix things up by throwing plenty of heavy right hands as well, angling to rock Nunes’s rival with an unexpected hook, head kick, or straight.

He has a decent all-around grappling game, but his best place to be in any fight is exchanging on the feet with his fast hands and explosive kickboxing.

Trust in his conditioning and strong chin, and be aggressive as you wade forward, chasing after the knockout.

Hold back with him only when you’re fighting a dangerous grappler whose takedowns are worthy of concern.

WEAKNESSES

• Strength

• Clinch grappling

• Submissions

“The Gun” is a fast and powerful kickboxer with a well-rounded striking game, but his grappling abilities fall short of those of many of his peers in the UFC featherweight division.

Exploit his lack of clinch grappling prowess and muscle Nunes around in the Muay Thai Clinch, working him over with brutal uppercuts, elbows, or knees.

He is vulnerable in the clinch and somewhat easy for Muay Thai experts to control, so use this grappling position to your advantage if you’re able.

Otherwise, try to take him to the ground and pound him out from the top—either option limits his offensive options.

Nunes has strong submission defense, so don’t try securing a sub without first wearing him down with multiple body shots from the top. He can be tough to handle even while he’s struggling on bottom, but it’s preferable to facing off against his great speed and striking technique on the feet.