First Openly Gay UFC Champ Amanda Nunes Receives Equality Visibility Award

UFC bantamweight queen Amanda Nunes, the first openly gay champion in the promotion’s history, was honored with an Equality Visibility Award in Los Angeles on Monday night.

According to a release, “the award recognizes individuals who have brought greater awareness to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights issues.” Nunes was accompanied to the annual Equality California Awards by girlfriend and UFC strawweight Nina Ansaroff.

“When people find out how strong and powerful love is, then this world will be a better place. I want to see this happen one day,” Nunes said during her acceptance speech. “I’m going to do everything I can to support this community with a positive presence by sharing my love and showing everyone that I’m happy. My dream has come true and I want to share this with everyone and help a lot of people be themselves. I’m going to keep doing it until the world is better.”

Nunes captured the bantamweight crown with a dominant first-round submission victory over Miesha Tate at UFC 200 on July 9 (online sportsbooks). The 28-year-old Brazilian has won four straight fights and six of seven overall within the Las Vegas-based promotion.

“We’re incredibly proud of Amanda and how she lives and breathes the UFC maxim that We Are All Fighters,” said Ike Lawrence Epstein, UFC Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “As UFC champ, Amanda is a visible figure in the sports world, so her dedication to living authentically is an inspiration to millions of fans around the world. She continues to demonstrate courage both inside and outside of the Octagon, and that’s what makes her a truly great champion.”