Many famous fighters have come from the mixed martial arts (MMA) industry. Daniel Pineda is one of those superb competitors with a reputation for putting on a show in the ring.
The American fighter fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Featherweight category (UFC).
Daniel Pineda, who fights out of Houston, has also participated in various martial arts tournaments, including Elite XC, Bellator MMA, Professional Fighters League, Legacy Fighting Championship, and Professional Fighters League.
Daniel Pineda Early Life:
Daniel was raised in Houston, Texas, despite being born in Dallas, Texas, on August 6, 1985. His enthusiasm for the sport was always encouraged by his parents. He has a brother named Jose Santibanez, who also encouraged him to start fighting.
Daniel Pineda Education:
In terms of his education, Daniel finished his formal education in Houston. He attended Waller High School in Texas Harris County. Before beginning formal mixed martial arts training at age 21, Pineda began wrestling while still in high school.
Daniel Pineda Family:
Except for his brother Jose Santibanez, who also encouraged Daniel Pineda to start fighting, very little is known about Daniel Pineda’s family. Daniel Pineda has never discussed his parents in public.
Daniel Pineda Physical Stats:
The UFC featherweight combatant weighs 66 kg (145 lbs). Daniel Pineda is 5’7″ (170 cm) and reaches 70″ when fighting. Pineda has black hair and black eyes.
Daniel Pineda Zodiac Sign:
Daniel Pineda became 37 years old on August 6, 1985. Pineda’s horoscope indicates he is a Leo.
Daniel Pineda Career:
The 37-year-old fighter began competing in MMA matches professionally in 2007.
He first competed in the Legacy Fighting Championship, where he defeated WEC veteran Frank Gomez and performed excellent performances during his time there. But Daniel finished his career in Legacy FC with a thrilling knockout victory.
Pineda joined the UFC in January 2012 and made his title debut on January 20 at UFC on FX against Pat Schilling, another UFC rookie.
Daniel also began his UFC career with a victory. He won his debut UFC match by submission, defeating Schilling. As a result, the UFC gave him the ideal platform to advance his career.
On July 20, 2021, at UFC 149, Antonio Carvalho knocked him out for the first time in his MMA career.
In the octagon, Daniel competed in a total of 7 fights, winning 3 of them. But on March 15, 2014, the UFC dropped him after he lost to Robert Whiteford.
Pineda later renewed his contract with Legacy FC in July 2012 for a further two years. He then signed with the Bellator MMA organization in 2014.
Daniel Pineda Drug Test Controversy:
But for Daniel, 2019 was a busy year chock full of controversy. He joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and competed against Jeremy Kennedy and Movlid Khaybulaev.
Pineda overcame both opponents that evening, but what happened next shocked Daniel. He made a reservation for a seat in the $1 Million finales following that night’s victories.
Pineda was identified as having an increased testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio in his system and was found to have failed a drug test given by the Nevada Athletic Commission.
Martial Artist victories were thus nullified, and he was sentenced to a 6-month suspension and a $12,500 fine.
Undoubtedly, Pineda was having a difficult time because all his efforts for the championship were in vain, and his victories were disqualified. Still, in January 2020, he admitted to using an illegal substance, so he had to take responsibility for his actions.
Daniel Pineda’s Comeback to UFC:
Finally, Daniel Pineda made a comeback and re-signed with UFC in June 2020, six years after his dismissal from the organization. Fortunately, his first battle back was a victory.
Daniel was unintentionally stabbed in the eye in round two, and it wasn’t long before his fight with Andre Fili was ruled a no-contest.
Daniel Pineda Relationship Status:
Pineda was involved in controversy throughout his MMA career, but not in his romantic relationships.
In this instance, Daniel is a private person, or perhaps we could say he successfully maintains his privacy. He dislikes sharing such personal information with the public or the media.
Pineda is married, and his wife’s name is Karla, it is known.
Daniel and Karla received a baby girl, whom they named Olivia Yvette Pineda, in June 2020, following the couple’s announcement of their impending parenthood at the end of 2019.
Daniel Pineda’s Championships & Titles:
UFC
Submission of the Night (1 time) vs. Justin Lawrence
Performance of the Night (1 time) vs. Herbert Burns.
Legacy Fighting Championship
Legacy FC Featherweight Championship (1 time)
Two successful title defenses
Fury FC
Fury FC Interim Featherweight Championship (1 time)
Fury FC Lightweight Championship (1 time)
Katana Cagefighting
KC Featherweight Championship (1 time)
Daniel Pineda Social Appearance:
The UFC fighter is highly active on his social media accounts, frequently posting images of his fights and other content.
Daniel posts a photo of his newborn daughter Olivia on Instagram for his followers to see, although he keeps his personal life private. Pineda also uploads footage of his training sessions and workouts.
On Instagram, 16.2k people follow the starfighter on his official handle @danielpitpineda. Pineda is also quite active on his Twitter account @DanielPitPineda, where he posts about his battles and victories.
Daniel Pineda Net Worth:
Daniel’s money comes from his fight fees now that he’s had a few successful years in the MMA rings. He is not well-known for endorsing any brands, though.
Daniel Pineda is reportedly paid an estimated $101,000 per year.
His pay has undoubtedly increased his net worth. He has made a large sum of money through competing in numerous MMA championships such as the Professional Fighters League, Bellator MMA, and Legacy Fighting Championship.
Daniel Pineda, a renowned UFC Featherweight competitor, has a $15 million total net worth.
Daniel Pineda Facts:
- He disclosed an unexpected truth about his job in an interview when he was still a member of Legacy FC. He said that on days other than his fight nights, he used to work full-time as a construction worker.
- Daniel Pineda is affiliated with the 4oz fight club, which is situated in Houston. Additionally, Robert “Bob” Perez is the trainer of Daniel Pineda. Daniel fully acknowledges Bob’s assistance in developing his MMA career.
- His social media are managed by a company called Iridium Sports Agency.
- He used a rear-naked choke to defeat Jeremy Mahon and win his first match as a professional.
