Jesus Pinedo Bio
Jesus Pinedo (born June 22, 1996) is a Peruvian mixed martial artist competing in the Featherweight division of the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He is the 2023 PFL Featherweight Champion and reached No. 10 in the World Featherweight rankings according to Fight Matrix in October 2023.
Early Life and Background
Jesus Pinedo was born in Callao, Peru, and currently resides in Lima. From a young age, he was involved in various contact sports including judo and karate, though his passion for mixed martial arts became clear early on. Unlike many of his peers who favored soccer, Pinedo pursued martial arts, influenced by his early exposure and a strong connection with coach Iván Ibérico since his mid-teens.
During his youth, Pinedo was involved in fighting incidents that led his father to send him to a pre-military boarding school. This period helped shape his discipline and focus, setting the foundation for his professional fighting career.
Path to MMA
Pinedo’s professional MMA journey began shortly after his 17th birthday. He debuted on July 17, 2013, with a first-round knockout victory, demonstrating early promise. Over his teenage years, he fought 14 times, compiling a record of 9 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, gaining valuable experience in regional circuits.
He earned titles in regional promotions such as the 300 Sparta and Inka Fighting Championship, capturing the IFC featherweight championship in February 2018 with a first-round submission and the 300 Sparta featherweight title shortly after with a second-round knockout. These achievements marked his rise in the Peruvian MMA scene and prepared him for international competition.
Jesus Pinedo Career
Early Career (2013–2018)
Jesus Pinedo began his professional career in 2013, quickly establishing himself as a formidable featherweight contender in regional MMA promotions. His early career was marked by aggressive fighting and rapid finishes, which earned him recognition and titles in the 300 Sparta and Inka Fighting Championship organizations.
During this period, Pinedo developed his skills under the guidance of coach Iván Ibérico and built a reputation for resilience and finishing ability. His crowning early achievement was winning the IFC featherweight championship in 2018, showcasing his submission skills with a guillotine choke victory.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (2018–2019)
Pinedo made his UFC debut on November 17, 2018, stepping in as a replacement fighter and winning his first bout via unanimous decision. He followed this with a second UFC fight in March 2019 but suffered a unanimous decision loss. Shortly after, he parted ways with the UFC and his management agency, marking the end of his tenure in the promotion.
Professional Fighters League Breakthrough (2023–Present)
After a series of successful regional fights, Pinedo debuted in the Professional Fighters League in April 2023. Despite losing his first PFL fight by split decision, he quickly rebounded with a knockout victory over Brendan Loughnane, handing Loughnane his first career finish. Pinedo continued his momentum by winning the featherweight semi-final against Bubba Jenkins despite a weight miss and point deduction.
In November 2023, Pinedo avenged his earlier loss to Gabriel Alves Braga by winning the PFL Featherweight Championship via TKO, earning a $1 million prize. He was scheduled for high-profile crossover fights in 2024 but withdrew due to injury and other reasons. In 2025, Pinedo returned to compete in the PFL Featherweight Tournament, winning his opening and semifinal bouts before losing in the final by submission.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jesus Pinedo is known for his aggressive striking and finishing ability, with a balanced record of wins by knockout, submission, and decision. His reach and height advantage in the featherweight division complement his striking craft, while his resilience and tactical approach have been crucial in high-stakes bouts. His long-term partnership with coach Iván Ibérico has been instrumental in refining his skills and fight strategy.
Notable Events and Milestones
Pinedo’s career highlights include winning the IFC featherweight championship, capturing the 300 Sparta featherweight title, and becoming the 2023 PFL Featherweight Champion. His knockout of Brendan Loughnane marked a significant milestone, as he was the first fighter to finish Loughnane in MMA. His ascent to the top 10 in world featherweight rankings further underscores his impact in the sport.
Jesus Pinedo Career Wins
Jesus Pinedo has amassed a professional record of 25 wins and 7 losses across various MMA organizations. His victories include 4 by decision, 2 by knockout, 1 by submission, and 1 by disqualification, reflecting his versatility as a fighter.
Professional Fighters League Highlights
In the PFL, Pinedo has secured multiple stoppage wins, including a notable knockout over Brendan Loughnane and a TKO victory in the featherweight finals to claim the 2023 championship. His performances in the PFL playoffs and finals have been defining moments in his career.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the PFL, Pinedo claimed regional titles in Peru’s 300 Sparta and Inka Fighting Championship promotions. His early career featured a mix of finishes and decision wins that built his reputation as a rising featherweight contender.
Jesus Pinedo Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Jesus Pinedo’s family background are limited. His early life included challenges that led to his enrollment in a pre-military boarding school, which influenced his discipline and focus in martial arts.
Personal Life
Jesus Pinedo’s personal life remains private, with no publicly available information about a spouse or children. He continues to reside in Lima, Peru, and trains at the Pitbull Martial Arts Center.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Jesus Pinedo returned to the PFL Featherweight Tournament, demonstrating strong form by winning his opening round and semifinal bouts via first-round technical knockouts. Despite his momentum, he was defeated in the final by submission, highlighting the competitive nature of the division. His ongoing partnership with Pitbull Martial Arts Center and coach Iván Ibérico remains central to his preparation and performance outlook for upcoming seasons.