What a week it’s been for the women’s MMA ‘GOAT’ Amanda Nunes.
On Thursday, retired two-division champion Amanda Nunes essentially confirmed her comeback at the UFC 316 press conference as Julianna Pena and Kayla Harrison took the stage, two ladies she has history with.
Before laying down the gloves in 2023, Nunes put the ‘greatest of all time’ conversation to bed with KO’s of all-time greats Ronda Rousey and Cris Cyborg, defeating Valentina Shevchenko and every UFC champion 135lbs and above.
Ahead of her return, which could come later this year, Nunes was honored with the greatest accolade the premier promotion could bestow upon her.
Amanda Nunes honored with UFC Hall-of-Fame induction
Nunes was cageside at the UFC 314 event when the broadcast honed in on ‘The Lioness’.
On the broadcast, the UFC rolled the ultimate highlight reel for Nunes with UFC icons speaking to what Nunes accomplished while she was in the Octagon.
Within minutes of watching her greatest moments, Nunes was brought to tears as she was being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Of course, this was merely the announcement of said induction with Nunes set to enter the Hall of Fame’s modern wing on June 26th during International Fight Week.
The 2025 UFC Hall of Fame class includes former UFC Welterweight king Robbie Lawler and Craig Piligian for his work on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’.
What now for Amanda Nunes?
Nearly two years into retirement life, Amanda Nunes attempts to recapture her title months out from her 37th birthday.
Given her resume, it’s more than likely Nunes will be given an immediate title fight but she’ll have to wait a little bit longer for the winner of Julianna Pena vs. Kayla Harrison.
The women’s bantamweight title is on the line in Newark, New Jersey at UFC 316 on June 7th with Pena standing where rival Nunes once stood.
Pena is one of five women to have a win over the former champion, upsetting Nunes by submission in their first title fight in 2021.
Nunes defeated Pena in the rematch, winning every round at UFC 277 in 2022.
A former product of American Top Team, Amanda Nunes long trained with Kayla Harrison before leaving her home gym years ago.
The UFC champ and PFL/Olympic champ have yet to cross paths in pro competition.