Claudio Puelles


Claudio Puelles Martinez is a Peruvian professional mixed martial artist, he currently competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background

Puelles started training Muay Thai around the age of 13, quickly picking up grappling also before transitioning to mixed martial arts in his adolescent years.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Puelles started his professional MMA career in 2013 and fought primarily in Peru. He amassed a record of 7–1 prior to participating in The Ultimate Fighter: [Latin America 3].

''The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3''

In 2016 Puelles competed on the third season of The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 3 series under Team Chuck Liddell.
In the elimination round, Puelles defeated José David Flores via a technical knockout in the first round. In the quarterfinals, Puelles defeated Pablo Sabori via a submission. In the semifinals, he defeated Marcelo Rojo by a unanimous decision. This win earned him a spot in the finale against Martín Bravo on November 5, 2016, in Mexico City, Mexico at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Puelles made his official UFC debut against Martin Bravo on November 5, 2016, in Mexico City, Mexico at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale. He lost the fight via TKO in the second round.
On May 19, 2018, Puelles faced Felipe Silva at UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Usman. He won the fight via a submission in round three. The submission gained him a Performance of the Night bonus award.
Puelles faced Marcos Mariano on September 21, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Rodríguez vs. Stephens. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Puelles faced Jordan Leavitt on June 5, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Sakai. He won the bout via unanimous decision.
Puelles faced Chris Gruetzemacher on December 4, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 31. He won the fight via a kneebar in round three.
Puelles faced Clay Guida on April 23, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 205. He won the fight via a kneebar in round one. This win earned him a Performance of the Night award.
Puelles faced Dan Hooker on November 12, 2022, at UFC 281. He lost the fight via TKO in round two after being dropped by a front kick to the body, Puelles was condemned for the strategies he employed.
Puelles faced Farès Ziam on February 24, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 237. Despite having a career high of seven takedowns, Puelles only landed four significant strikes and ended up losing the bout by split decision.
Puelles faced Joaquim Silva on September 13, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 259. He lost the fight by split decision.

Championships and accomplishments