Amanda Nunes was slated for her second title defense at UFC 213 last Saturday in a rematch against Valentina Shevchenko. But just hours before the event, she decided to pull out due to what she claimed as a chronic case of sinusitis.
Nunes drew a lot of flak from the decision she had made. Former UFC title contender Chael Sonnen believes she should have lost by forfeit, especially since doctors had given her the green light to fight. UFC president Dana White also criticized her, and said that she won’t headline any more cards.
UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, however, sided with Nunes and defended her from detractors who continuously question her decision.
“I don’t believe she was afraid. I believe that she was sick. And if she was sick and could not compete, then she had every right to not compete,” Cormier told MMAjunkie Radio.
“This is a woman who has already fought and beat Valentina Shevchenko. This is a woman who beat Ronda Rousey. A woman who beat Miesha Tate,” Cormier continued. “Two women who are no longer fighting because of the beatings that they took at the hands of Amanda Nunes, essentially.”
The UFC is looking at UFC 215 on September 9th as the rescheduled date for Nunes vs. Shevchenko 2. And as early as now, Nunes is already looking forward to it.
UFC 215 will take place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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