Jesus Pinedo closely associated with coach Iván Ibérico, a renowned MBA figure in Peru, and has maintained a strong bond since the age of 16–17. While martial arts have been a lifelong passion, the individual initially dabbled in various contact sports from a tender age of 5 or 6, sporadically engaging in disciplines such as judo and karate during vacations or brief periods throughout the year. Unlike his peers who favored soccer, Pinedo's inclination towards mixed martial arts became evident early on, steering their sporting trajectory in a distinct direction.[2] He was involved in fighting in his youth, leading to his father putting him into pre-military boarding school.[3]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Pinedo's handlers embraced the baptism-by-fire approach, leading him to make his professional debut just under a month after his 17th birthday. On July 17, 2013, he showcased his skills by swiftly dispatching Luigi Dapello with first-round punches at a regional event. During his teenage years, Pinedo fearlessly stepped into the ring 14 times, amassing a commendable record of 9–4–1 in those early battles. His name, "El Mudo," has become synonymous with success, as he claimed titles in both the 300 Sparta and Inka Fighting Championship organizations. Pinedo's crowning moment came when he secured the IFC featherweight championship, forcing Joackim Pedro Neto Ferreira to tap out to a guillotine choke in the first round of their February 2018 clash. Just four months later, he added another feather to his cap by clinching the 300 Sparta featherweight title, unleashing a barrage of second-round punches that spelled the end for Carlos Alexadre.[4]
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Pinedo made his UFC debut replacing an injured Claudio Puelles against Devin Powell on November 17, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 140,[5] winning the fight via unanimous decision.[6]
Days after the Peruvian fighter broke ties with the Iridium Sports agency, owned by well-known manager Jason House, the UFC let go of Pinedo.[9]
Professional Fighters League
After winning his next 4 bouts on the Peruvian regional scene all by stoppages, Pinedo made his PFL debut against Gabriel Alves Braga on April 1, 2023 at PFL 1, losing the close bout via split decision.[10]
Pinedo faced Brendan Loughnane on June 8, 2023 at PFL 4.[11] He won the fight via knockout early into the first round, becoming the first fighter to finish Loughnane in his MMA career.[12]
In the Featherweight semi-finals, Pinedo faced Bubba Jenkins in the main event at PFL 7 on August 4, 2023. At weigh-ins, Jesus Pinedo weighed in at 146.4 pounds, 0.4 pounds over the Featherweight limit. He was fined 20 percent of his purse, which went to his opponent Jenkins, and he started the bout with a one point subtraction.[13] Pinedo went on to win the bout via TKO in the second round.[14]
Heading into the finals of the featherweight tournament, Pinedo rematched Gabriel Alves Braga on November 24, 2023, at PFL 10.[15] He avenged the previous loss and won the bout by TKO stoppage at the beginning of the third round to win the 2023 PFL Featherweight Championship and $1 million collective dollar prize.[16]
Pinedo was scheduled to face Jeremy Kennedy on November 29, 2024, at PFL 10.[19] However, Pinedo withdrew for unknown reasons and was replaced by Gabriel Alves Braga.[20]
