Amanda Nunes is set to come out of retirement and try to win back her UFC championship.
“The Lioness” will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in late June. By then, she expects to know her opponent for her return fight. Julianna Peña is scheduled to defend her title against Kayla Harrison at UFC 316 in Newark on June 8th.
Nunes, a former champion in two weight classes, retired after a dominant victory over Irene Aldana in June 2023. She attended UFC 314 in Miami and stated on UFC Fight Pass Brazil that she is “ready for war” and aims to be “the first person to leave and return to win the belt again.”
Nunes commented on seeing Peña with “her” belt at the UFC 316 press conference in Miami, saying it felt unreal, like the real belt was still with her. This motivates her to reclaim it after Peña and Harrison fight.
Nunes clarified that this isn`t just a one-time return. She intends to win and defend the bantamweight title. She first won the UFC title in July 2016 at UFC 200 against Miesha Tate and defended it three times before moving up to featherweight. She has an impressive title fight record of 11-1 over seven years, with her only loss avenged against Peña.
“Whether it’s Kayla or Julianna, my goal is to get my belt back, and I’m ready to fight for it,” Nunes stated. She added that she is driven by challenges and prefers to fight for something meaningful. While open to a third fight with Peña, Nunes expressed a stronger interest in fighting Harrison, acknowledging Harrison`s strength, grappling skills, and evolving striking.
Harrison trains at American Top Team in Florida, the same gym where Nunes became a UFC champion. Nunes has previously mentioned that Harrison`s presence at ATT was a factor in her decision to leave the team.
Nunes explained that the situation became uncomfortable when Harrison and Yana Santos joined American Top Team, feeling it was “her territory” and that Harrison`s talk made her feel unsafe. She mentioned sharing coaches with Harrison, specifically Mike Brown, which added to the awkwardness.
Nunes left ATT after her loss to Peña but defeated Peña in a rematch to regain her title in 2022. In the UFC Fight Pass interview, Nunes discussed past training sessions with Harrison, clarifying they were not regular training partners and there was no formal partnership.
Nunes emphasized she is ready to face anyone to reclaim her title.
