Amanda Nunes faces six months of drug testing before she can make her comeback.
The former dual-weight champion retired on top after beating Irene Aldana at UFC 289 in June 2023.
On Saturday night, Kayla Harrison tapped out Julianna Pena to win one of the Brazilian’s old belts at UFC 316.
Post-fight, Amanda Nunes stepped into the cage for a face-off with the new 135lb queen, which seemingly confirmed they will clash in the not-too-distant future.
Amanda Nunes vs Kayla Harrison faces six-month delay
UFC boss Dana White wants to make that matchup, but he’s unsure if it will happen in 2025.
Amanda Nunes‘s desire to return before the end of the year faces a stumbling block due to the fact she is not currently in the UFC’s drug testing pool.
‘The ‘Lioness’, like any other returning fighter, must undergo six months of random drug tests before being allowed to compete inside the famous UFC Octagon.
“She’s been off,” White said about Nunes during his post-fight press conference at UFC 316.
“I don’t know if she’s been training. I don’t know what she’s been doing.
“Is she in the pool? No, she’s not in the pool either.”
The UFC can provide an exemption, but they are rarely given and the fighter will still need to pass two drug tests.
Only time will tell when we will get to see the greatest female in MMA history square off against Harrison.
Kayla Harrison’s grueling 135lb weight cut
Kayla Harrison concerned fans when she completed a torturous weight cut ahead of UFC 316.
Post-fight, the 34-year-old told Joe Rogan just how bad things got when she shrank down to 135lbs.
“This is for anyone who’s ever felt hopeless, who’s wanted to quit, who’s wanted to give up,” Harrison said.
“On Thursday I wanted to quit, I wanted to give up. I’m referring to 135lb.
“Only God can get that last pound off me, I’m not strong enough.
“You have to go to a bad place and the only way through is to surrender and have faith.”