Yana Kunitskaya (also known as Yana Santos) is a 33-year-old Russian professional fighter competing in the women’s bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. She is currently the No.6 ranked contender in the weight class.
Santos is a former Invicta FC bantamweight champion.
Yana Kunitskaya lost her fight against Holly Holm via decision at UFC Fight Night: Vera vs. Sandhagen on March 25, 2023, in San Antonio, United States.
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Iana Yana Kunitskaya was born on November 11, 1989, in Murmansk, Russia. Her father, Joseph was a professional skier, and her mother, Olga Kunitskaya a professional gymnast. She started training in taekwondo during pre-school and gradually got into other forms of martial arts.
Yana Kunitskaya made her professional debut on May 23, 2009, and won the fight via technical knockout in the first round.
On August 31, 2017, Kunitskaya won the Invicta FC bantamweight championship by defeating Raquel Pa’aluhi via unanimous decision.
Yana Kunitskaya made her octagon debut at UFC 222 against Cris Cyborg for the UFC featherweight championship. She lost the fight via technical knockout in the first round.
Kunitskaya faced Lina Lansberg at UFC 229 and won the fight via unanimous decision.
At UFC Fight Night 146, Kunitskaya won her fight against Marion Reneau via unanimous decision.
On December 7, 2019, Kunistkaya lost her fight against Aspen Ladd via technical knockout.
For her next two fights, Kunitskaya faced Julija Stoliarenko and Ketlen Vieira. She won both bouts via unanimous decision.
Yana Kunitskaya faced Irene Aldana at UFC 264 and lost the fight via technical knockout in the first round.
Yana Kunitskaya has only lost to Cris Cyborg, Aspen Ladd, Irene Aldana, and Holly Holm in the UFC.
Yana Kunitskaya has had eight fights in the UFC so far.
Yana Kunitskaya is currently the No.6 ranked contender in the bantamweight division of the UFC.
*Last updated on March 27, 2023.
