Amanda Nunes is set to make a return to the octagon, aiming to reclaim her former UFC bantamweight title.
“The Lioness” will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in late June, and by that time, she expects to know her opponent for her comeback fight. Julianna Peña is scheduled to defend her title against Kayla Harrison at UFC 316 in Newark on June 8.
Nunes, a former two-division champion, retired after a dominant victory over Irene Aldana in June 2023. She attended UFC 314 in Miami and expressed her readiness for a fight, hoping to become the first fighter to leave and return to win back a title.
Nunes commented on seeing Peña with the belt at the UFC 316 press conference in Miami, stating it felt like a “fantasy” and that her real belt was “back home” with her. This observation, she said, only fuels her motivation. She intends to fight the winner of Peña vs. Harrison and reclaim her championship.
Nunes clarified that this is not a one-off return. Her plan is to win and defend the 135-pound title. She initially captured the UFC gold in July 2016 at UFC 200 against Miesha Tate and defended it successfully three times before moving up to featherweight. Her title reign included a notable knockout of Cris Cyborg. In total, Nunes achieved an impressive 11-1 record in title fights over seven years, avenging her only loss to 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 emphasized her attraction to challenges, expressing a preference for fighting Harrison due to her strength and evolving skillset. While open to a third fight with Peña, Nunes is particularly interested in facing Harrison`s “new” challenge.
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 departure from the team.
Nunes had mentioned in 2022 that the situation at ATT became uncomfortable as Harrison and Yana Santos joined the gym, feeling it was “her territory.” The shared coaches, including Mike Brown, also contributed to the tension.
Nunes left ATT after her loss to Peña, only to decisively defeat Peña in a rematch months later in 2022. In a recent interview, Nunes recounted past training sessions with Harrison in Florida.
Nunes described their training relationship as informal and infrequent, not a consistent partnership. However, she reiterated her readiness to face any opponent.
