What Happened to Damian Pinas?
Damian Pinas, known as "The Baba Yaga," is a Surinamese-Aruban professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's middleweight division. Born in Suriname and raised in Aruba, Pinas began his professional MMA career in 2022, quickly gaining recognition for his explosive knockout power and a near-perfect finishing rate. After earning a UFC contract through Dana White's Contender Series in September 2025, he made a successful UFC debut in February 2026 and is scheduled to fight Cesar Almeida at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026.
Quick Answer
Damian Pinas is a rising star in the UFC middleweight division, known for his aggressive, finish-oriented fighting style and powerful striking. After a dominant run on the regional circuit, he secured a UFC contract in September 2025 and made a successful debut in February 2026 with a first-round TKO. As of July 11, 2026, Pinas is scheduled to face Cesar Almeida at UFC 329, aiming to continue his ascent in the promotion.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline10 events
Born in Suriname
Damian Pinas was born in Paramaribo, Suriname.
Moved to Aruba
Pinas moved to Aruba in his late teenage years, where his life trajectory began to change.
Began Boxing Training
At 19, Pinas started training boxing at Stay Thai Fit in Aruba, later transitioning to mixed martial arts.
Professional MMA Debut
Pinas made his professional MMA debut at Caribbean FC 8, securing a TKO victory over Jeandrick Croes.
Victory at Aruba Fighting Championship
Pinas continued his winning streak with a knockout victory against Leonardo Ruiz at Aruba Fighting Championship - Never Back Down.
First Professional Loss (DQ)
Pinas suffered his only professional loss via disqualification due to an illegal kick against Italo Gomes at Shooto Brasil 121, an event he cites as a learning experience.
Return to Winning at Shooto Brasil 127
Pinas bounced back from his DQ loss with a first-round KO victory over Wesley Silva at Shooto Brasil 127.
Earns UFC Contract on Contender Series
Damian Pinas secured a UFC contract by defeating Vitor Costa via first-round knockout on Dana White's Contender Series, a pivotal moment in his career.
UFC Debut Victory
Pinas made a successful UFC debut at UFC Fight Night in Mexico City, defeating Wes Schultz via first-round TKO at 2:30 of the opening round.
Scheduled to Fight Cesar Almeida at UFC 329
Damian Pinas is scheduled to face Cesar Almeida in a middleweight bout at UFC 329, taking place today at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Damian Pinas transitioned from a challenging upbringing in Suriname and Aruba, where he initially engaged in street fights, to becoming a professional mixed martial artist. He started training boxing at 19 in Aruba, later incorporating MMA. He made his professional debut in August 2022, quickly establishing a reputation for finishing fights, primarily by knockout. His career saw a rapid ascent through regional circuits in the Caribbean and Brazil, where he amassed a record almost exclusively of stoppages.
Pinas's success is attributed to his natural power, dedication to training, and a relentless, finish-first mentality. He often speaks about fighting as a means of survival and building a better life for his family, which fuels his drive. His background, including working construction and deliveries, instilled a strong work ethic. His training at Nova União, the gym of his idol José Aldo, further honed his skills, particularly his striking, though he also holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
A significant turning point was his only professional loss in March 2024 at Shooto Brasil 121, where he was disqualified for an illegal kick. Pinas has stated this experience taught him to "stay calm, stay cold," indicating a maturation in his approach. Another pivotal moment was his appearance on Dana White's Contender Series in September 2025, where he secured a UFC contract with a first-round knockout of Vitor Costa, fulfilling a long-held dream and allowing him to represent Suriname and Aruba on a global stage.
Earning a UFC contract propelled Pinas into the global spotlight, increasing his visibility and the caliber of his opponents. His UFC debut in February 2026, a first-round TKO win over Wes Schultz, solidified his reputation as a dangerous middleweight prospect. The increased stakes mean he faces more seasoned competition, as evidenced by his upcoming fight against Cesar Almeida.
As of July 11, 2026, Damian Pinas holds a professional MMA record of 9 wins and 1 loss. He is scheduled to fight Cesar Almeida in a middleweight bout at UFC 329, taking place today, July 11, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This fight is considered a significant test for Pinas against an experienced kickboxer.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Damian Pinas made different choices?