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Women's Strawweight Division

Active

"Sampage"

Sam Hughes

Women's Strawweight Division

11-7-0 (W-L-D)

2

Wins by Knockout

4

Wins by Submission

3

First Round Finishes

Sam Hughes
  • Last fight

    Win

    Rodriguez vs Hughes

    Mar. 14, 2026

athlete record

Info

Learn more about Sam Hughes' UFC history, fighter facts, and Q&A below.

Status
Active
Place of Birth
Davenport, United States
Trains at
Fortis MMA
Fighting style
Freestyle
Age
33
Height
65.00
Weight
116.00
Octagon Debut
Dec. 12, 2020
Reach
64.00
Leg reach
36.00
  • Pro since 2019
     
  • Has won six of her last eight
     
  • Four wins by submission (Guillotine, armbar, 2 RNC), two by TKO
     
  • Three first round finishes
     
  • Origin of nickname: “It was given to me by my coach and Rick Little.” 

UFC Fight Night (9/6/25) Hughes submitted Shauna Bannon via rear-naked choke at 1:58 of the second round

UFC Fight Night (3/15/25) Hughes won a three round split decision over Stephanie Luciano

UFC on ABC (8/3/24) Hughes won a three round split decision over Viktoriia Dudakova

UFC Fight Night (2/24/24) Hughes lost a three round unanimous decision to Yazmin Jauregui 

UFC 287 (4/8/23) Hughes won a three round unanimous decision over Jaqueline Amorim 

UFC Fight Night (10/15/22) Hughes lost a three round unanimous decision to Piera Rodriguez 

UFC Fight Night (5/21/22) Hughes stopped Elise Reed via strikes at 3:52 of the third round

UFC on ESPN (4/16/22) Hughes won a three round majority decision over Istela Nunes

UFC Fight Night (11/20/21) Hughes lost a three round unanimous decision to Luana Pinheiro

UFC on ESPN (5/1/21) Hughes lost a three round unanimous decision to Loma Lookboonmee

UFC 256 (12/12/20) Hughes lost via TKO (corner stoppage) to Tecia Torres at 5:00 of the first round

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started back in 2015 when I moved to Everett, WA. I wanted to train and compete in something after I graduated college and competed in D1 NCAA cross country and track and field.

Any accomplishments in amateur combat sports? Undefeated kickboxer, MMA South Carolina State Champ (Warfare MMA 16)

Any belts/ranks in grappling disciplines? Purple Belt BJJ

What has been your toughest fight to date and why? My first fight with Fortis against Istela Nunes; I put a lot of pressure on myself during that camp, coming off three losses on my first UFC contract. It was my first win after switching camps. I wanted to show the UFC what I am capable of and why they should keep me on the roster. In addition to that, I wanted to represent Fortis well. That fight was more of a mental battle in staying focused and composed.

Who is your favorite fighter and why? I really like Merab, his cardio, wrestling timing and overall athleticism

Is there a cause that you want to use your platform for? Fighting for women to grow in this sport and have a safe environment to train in. I’ve come from bad gyms where women were taken advantage of and I want to eventually have a gym where women can be supported and shine in this sport.

Beyond a championship or money, what motivates you? Family, I love Jesus and want to be a positive role model for women to look up to and feel like they can make it without an OnlyFans and be looked at as a great athlete. My family has been a huge support system for me and I want to be successful enough to take care of my family when all this is over. 

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Yes. I went to Wofford College and received a double major in Accounting and Finance then went to the University of South Carolina to get my master’s degree in Sports Management. 

What was your job before you started fighting? Business Analyst 

Personal Life / Background: Former D1 Cross Country and Track runner, record holder in the steeplechase in college, dog mom to an adorable American Bulldog, rides horses, country girl at heart, working on buying my own farm, loves coffee and a good glass of tequila or bourbon. I coach at The Westwood School in Addison Texas. These kids are a huge inspiration to me and help me put everything into perspective, I love what I do and love coaching track and field.