Amanda Nunes Return: Targets Peña-Harrison Winner
- Amanda Nunes, widely regarded as the most dominant women's fighter in UFC history, is ending her retirement.
- Nunes, 37, retired from mixed martial arts in june 2023 but hinted at a comeback.
- "I missed [fighting] so much," Nunes said during a fan Q&A.
amanda Nunes is back! The UFC legend has announced her return to the octagon and is setting her sights on the victor of the upcoming Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison bout at UFC 316. After retiring in June 2023,Nunes is ready to reclaim her spot in the bantamweight division,citing her child’s growth as a key factor in her decision. With a storied history against both potential opponents, this comeback promises fireworks. News Directory 3 will be watching closely as Nunes prepares for her next challenge. Will it be Peña or Harrison? discover what’s next in this exciting chapter of Nunes’ career!
Amanda Nunes announces UFC Return, Eyes Peña-Harrison Winner
Updated June 6, 2025
Amanda Nunes, widely regarded as the most dominant women’s fighter in UFC history, is ending her retirement. Nunes announced friday that she plans to fight the winner of Saturday’s bantamweight championship match between Julianna Peña and Kayla Harrison at UFC 316 in Newark.
Nunes, 37, retired from mixed martial arts in june 2023 but hinted at a comeback. She will be present at UFC 316.
“I missed [fighting] so much,” Nunes said during a fan Q&A. She added that her child is older now, allowing her to focus on training. “Kayla or Julianna, I’m going to be ready,” nunes stated.
Nunes and her partner, former UFC fighter Nina Ansaroff, have two children.
UFC President Dana white has previously expressed enthusiasm for Nunes’ return. Though,the promotion has not confirmed whether nunes would immediately face the Peña-Harrison winner.
Nunes has a history with both potential opponents. Peña defeated Nunes in 2021 to win the title, but Nunes reclaimed it in a dominant rematch. Harrison was formerly Nunes’ teammate and sparring partner at american Top Team.
At the time of her retirement, Nunes was considered the No. 1 pound-for-pound women’s fighter. She also expressed hope that Jon Jones would postpone his retirement so they could compete on the same card again, as they did in 2018 and 2019.
“I would love to fight on the same card [as Jones],” Nunes said. “That would be awesome. I always have good luck when Jon is on the card. I hope he hears that.”
What’s next
The mixed martial arts world now awaits the outcome of UFC 316 to see who Nunes will face in her highly anticipated return to the octagon. The fight promises to be a significant event in the bantamweight division.