Yuneisy Duben

When and why did you start training for fighting? It started when I was eight years old because my parents fought a lot. I told myself that a man is never ever going to hit me; I'm going to learn to defend myself and I started training Karate at school.

What professional titles have you held? Champion of the 300 Sparta in Peru

Any accomplishments in amateur combat sports? International Taekwondo Champion, International Wushu Champion, National BJJ Champion and National Wrestling Champion

Any belts/ ranks in grappling disciplines? Blue belt in BJJ, blue belt in luta livre

Any belts/ ranks in striking disciplines? Black belt in taekwondo, Black belt in wushu

What has been your toughest fight to date and why? The hardest fight was for the title since it was a fight that I had already fought with that rival. The previous fight was a no contest, and this one had the pressure of the people and the title.

Who is your favorite fighter and why? Max Holloway, because his fights are bloody

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Yes, I studied international business administration but didn’t complete my degree due to my country situation

What was your job before you started fighting? I have been working since I was 12 years old. I have worked in everything and at 16 I already had my first business together with my best friend. At age 18, I had my cleaning chemical products company, and at 20, I migrated to another country.

Personal Life / Background: It was very hard for me to get here. I had a very complicated childhood, but I always knew how to cope with it in my own way. Since I was little, I kept myself very busy. I worked, trained, danced and studied. I always had my mind busy, my desires and my desire to grow and get ahead. They were above what I had experienced, and I’m grateful to my mother and father who always supported me in my sport. I had to leave my country, my fights, my studies, my company, my smiles to look for a future and that was very hard. I suffered, but I managed to advance, and when I was already at my best in my fights, my previous trainer, the one I trusted the most, betrayed me. He tried to abuse me and that took me out of fights for three years; I thought I would never do it. Today, I am here, one step away from my dreams. My advice to everyone is that no matter how many times you fall, the important thing is that you get up.

If I weren't a fighter, I would be an actress. I really like cameras, TV and I have participated in music videos and commercials such as a stuntman in Kia cars.