„I have Kayla by decision.“@Amanda_Leoa
is ready to fight whoever the winner is on Saturday!
#UFC316 pic.twitter.com/frgcPU8CoX— UFC (@ufc)
June 6, 2025
Amanda
Nunes’ comeback won’t be a one-off event.
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The former
UFC two-division champion is expected to end her retirement to
face the winner of the Julianna
Pena–Kayla
Harrison bantamweight title bout scheduled for UFC 316.
Nunes vacated the 135-pound belt and called it a career on the
heels of a unanimous decision triumph over Irene
Aldana at UFC 289 in June 2023.
During an appearance at a fan Q&A, “Lioness” revealed that she
plans on an extended run at the top of the division.
„I’m ready to stay here,“ Nunes said. „I’m going to take the belt
back. I’m going to defend as long as possible. As long as my body
can handle, I’m going to be here.”
The 37-year-old Brazilian is widely regarded as the No. 1
pound-for-pound female fighter of all-time. She has been victorious
in 14 of 15 last bouts dating back to March 2015. Her only defeat
during that time— an upset loss to Pena at UFC 269 — was avenged in
dominant fashion in their rematch seven months later. Her ledger
includes victories over the likes of Valentina
Shevchenko (twice), Cris
Cyborg, Holly Holm,
Miesha
Tate, Germaine
de Randamie (twice), Julia Budd
and Pena, among others.
Nunes is enjoying the excitement surrounding her return after an
absence that has lasted two years.
I love this. I’m so excited. To see my name all over, that’s what
I’m here for,“ Nunes said. „To come back, I’m ready for tomorrow.
I’m ready to fight. … I have Kayla by decision. Honestly, I’m a
champion. Either one, I’m going to be ready for. Let’s go.“