AJ Cunningham

AJ Cunningham, born in Phoenix, United States, began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2018. Before turning professional, Cunningham compiled a reported amateur record of 11-4, securing four amateur championships. He made his professional debut with Pyramid Fights, where his early victories included submissions over Jose Zuniga Herrera in November 2018 and Jesse Hancock in August 2018. His career progression saw him advance through various promotions, including Pyramid Fights and MMAX FC, demonstrating a versatile fighting style with both knockout and submission victories.

Cunningham joined the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) where he continued to build his professional record. A significant career milestone came with his participation in Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023, a platform often leading to a UFC contract. Although he did not secure a contract through the Contender Series, he continued to compete, earning a submission victory via rear-naked choke at Fury FC 79 in May 2023. This resilience and consistent performance led to his official Octagon debut with the UFC on March 2, 2024, at UFC Fight Night, showcasing his determination to compete at the highest level of the sport. He trains at Factory X, refining his techniques and adapting to diverse fighting styles.

Throughout his career, Cunningham has faced notable opponents, contributing to his professional record of 11 wins and 5 losses. His fighting style is characterized by a balance of striking and grappling, with four wins by knockout and four by submission. He also has five first-round finishes, highlighting his ability to end fights decisively. His recent professional fights within the UFC include a unanimous decision loss to SuYoung You on March 15, 2025, and a TKO loss to Ludovit Klein on March 2, 2024. Cunningham’s commitment to the sport is evident in his continuous participation in high-level competitions and his pursuit to establish himself within the Bantamweight division.