Former UFC two-weight world champion, Amanda Nunes, walked away from the sport back in June last year after taking out everyone in her path, but UFC CEO Dana White has hinted that she could return.
After clearing out everyone in both the women’s bantamweight and women’s featherweight divisions, Amanda Nunes decided to walk away from the sport after several years at the top.
‘The Lioness’ was originally scheduled to settle her rivalry with Julianna Pena in her final outing at UFC 289, but Pena withdrew because of an injury. Irene Aldana stepped in and the Brazilian champion once again put on a dominant display.
Kayla Harrison could be the reason for Amanda Nunes to return
Although Nunes’ retirement came as a bit of a surprise, it was justified considering she had already fought and beat everyone put in front of her.
That, though, changed ever so slightly earlier this year, when the UFC announced the signing of the dominant Judoka, Kayla Harrison.
Harrison had experienced similar success to Nunes throughout her tenure with PFL, winning the $1m tournament twice and dispatching almost everyone put in front of her.
After becoming a free agent earlier this year, the 33-year-old surprisingly accepted an offer to join the UFC, something that has been desired by fans for years, as they have hoped for a matchup between Nunes and Harrison.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist won in her UFC debut at UFC 300, crushing former champion Holly Holm and submitting her in the second round.
Following her win, Harrison called for a title shot against current bantamweight champion, Raquel Pennington, but that didn’t sit well with ‘The Lioness’. Sharing a video on her social media, the Brazilian seemed frustrated that Harrison didn’t call her name.
Dana White hints that Amanda Nunes could return to the UFC
The women’s featherweight division was disbanded with Nunes’ retirement, but there could potentially be a reason to bring it back, even just for one fight.
Rumors circulated amongst fans recently that a fight between Harrison and Nunes was being attempted to be made to replace Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler as the UFC 303 main event, however, they are inaccurate.
Despite that, Dana White has admitted that Nunes ‘could’ return, with her seemingly hinting at the possibility following UFC 300.
“I love Amanda Nunes, we have an incredible relationship,” the UFC boss stated on the Club Shay Shay podcast.
“She could come back, there’s a possibility she could come back. Again, a very unique individual in her own right. A very powerful woman who is looked at as the female GOAT now,” White continued.
Although Nunes retired last year, the 36-year-old has continued to train with a select few fighters, one of which being Brazilian prospect, Iasmin Lucindo.
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