Rafael “Indio” Nunes Makes a Comeback into the ONE Cage
What’s Been Going On With Nunes?
After a world‑wide hiatus, the 30‑year‑old Brazilian fighter—known for his nicknames “Indio” and his 10‑1 record—stands ready for a fine‑tuned fight in Manila on 26 January at ONE: GLOBAL SUPERSTARS. It’s the second time he steps into the ONE ring, but the first time since that 2014 loss to Koji “The Commander” Ando. That defeat was only the beginning of a wild ride outside the cage.
Who is Rafael Nunes?
Born in São Paulo’s Campinas, the lad grew up shaking things up on the mats. He fell in love with Brazilian jiu‑jitsu after watching legendary Royce Gracie on TV—why else would you become a grappler! From the moment he switched from jiu‑jitsu to MMA, he kept on breaking bodies and finishing opponents. By the time he hit his first loss, his pro record was a clean 10‑0—with nine straight finishes.
The Dark Cloud After 2014
2014 came with a big setback: his first career loss, followed by a broken clavicle in 2015 and a nasty bout of dengue fever that put him on the sidelines. And on top of that, his whole team split up and his grandfather died. Those were a huge emotional struggle for the fighter, and he announced that “my biggest hurdle was that loss, and right after, my team fell apart and my grandfather passed away.” His family—especially the encouragement from his mother and grandfather—had been his anchor every step of the way.
What’s In Store for the Fight?
- All eyes will be on Nunes’ return to a ring after crazy external drama.
- He’s been training hard in Manila, taking every drill seriously.
- Will he choke it out? Could he secure a comeback victory?
It’s a story of recovery, a comeback tale that gets the crowd guessing. The question is simple: Can Rafael “Indio” Nunes walk back into the cage and make the world believe he’s back in the mix? Stay tuned as Manila’s lights shine on a fighter who’s proven that even the toughest setbacks can’t stop his drive.
Back in the Game: “Indio” Rides the Comeback Wave
For a long while, the ache of losing his beloved grandpa lingered like a stubborn bruise. Thankfully, the pain faded and the wound healed, and soon he found himself back on the mats, grinding away to polish his craft before hitting the cage.
From Jiu‑Jitsu to Muay Thai to Boxing: The Multi‑Sport Machine
He shot his name into the spotlight in jiu‑jitsu circuits, snagged the title of Brazilian Champion in Muay Thai, and also dabbled—massively—in amateur boxing. “I’ve had a fair share of fights across all three, so I’m ready to flaunt that hybrid skillset,” he confides.
Family First: The Unsung Heroes
- Peak support. He and his crew stayed tight-knit.
- Heart‑felt encouragement. “Without them, I would’ve pitched my shorts to the ground,” he says with a chuckle.
- Fighting spirit. Their cheer carried him back into the cage.
Hitting the Airwaves: A Three‑Year Hiatus Turned Thrilling Comeback
The future looks bright as “Indio” gears up to return to the ONE Championship cage by facing Filipino, “The Natural” Eric Kelly.
His comeback is slated for ONE: GLOBAL SUPERHEROES at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.
Why This Fight?
“The timing was perfect—I was in top shape. Even though I was a bit rusty, the idea of face‑to‑face with Kelly seemed right on target,” he says.
Training Ramp‑Up: Muay Thai + Boxing = Stand‑Up Swarm
Over the last three years, he devoted himself to sharpening his striking—Muay Thai clinch moves and boxing footwork—to outmaneuver Kelly’s stand‑up prowess.
He’s also got his eyes on the ground. “If the contest touches the mat, I’ll show none of my ground game,” he explains, showcasing humor and confidence.
Match Plan (Gloves and Ground)
- Kick it to make a point. He intends to keep the fight standing, using distance to land big punches and kicks.
- Finish it on the ground. Should Kelly push for a takedown, he’s itching to finish the bout on the ground.
He’s prepared for both outcomes and remains ready to entertain fans while delivering on his skill set.
Final Verdict: The Comeback of a Champion
“Indio” has gone from grieving to glinting—he’s re‑armed that cage, jazzed up his stand‑up and ground, and is ready to leave a mark on the crowd. Stay tuned for the clash that might just redefine his legacy.
