Ignacio Bahamondes (born August 27, 1997) is a Chilean mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He was the former Lux Lightweight Champion.
Background
Born and raised in Santiago, Chile, he followed his father's footsteps into kickboxing; his father is a former South American WKN kickboxing champion. After a successful amateur kickboxing career, he moved to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue a career in mixed martial arts, settling in Miami alone and speaking no English.
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
During the early career Bahamondes racked a record of 10–3 in both North and Latin America regional circuit, claiming the Lux Fight League Lightweight Championship on the way.
Dana White's Contender Series
Bahamondes was invited to compete at Dana White's Contender Series 34 against Edson Gomez on November 4, 2020. He won the bout via second-round knockout and was awarded a contract with the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Bahamondes faced John Makdessi on April 10, 2021, at UFC on ABC 2. At the weigh-ins, Ignacio Bahamondes weighed in at 156.75 pounds, 0.75 pound over the lightweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at a catchweight and Bahamondes was fined 20% of his individual purse, which went to Makdessi. Bahamondes lost the bout via split decision.
He made his sophomore appearance in the organization against Roosevelt Roberts at UFC on ESPN 29 on August 21, 2021. He won the fight via knockout five seconds before the ending bell in the third round. The finish earned him a Performance of the Night bonus award.
Bahamondes faced Rong Zhu at UFC Fight Night: Makhachev vs. Green on February 26, 2022. He won the bout via submission in the third round.
Bahamondes was scheduled to face Ľudovít Klein on July 30, 2022, at UFC 277. However, Bahamondes pulled out on July 15, 2022.
Bahamondes was scheduled to face Nikolas Motta on April 8, 2023, at UFC 287. However, Motta pulled out in late March due to a cut on his head and was replaced by Trey Ogden, with the bout taking place at a catchweight of 160 pounds. Bahamondes won the bout via unanimous decision.
Bahamondes was re-scheduled to face Ľudovít Klein on August 5, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 226. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Championships and accomplishments
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Performance of the Night (one time) Lux Fight League Lux Lightweight Championship (one time; former)