Amanda Nunes Announces Return to the Octagon: The Lioness Eyes Her Next Challenge

Former UFC double champion Amanda Nunes has officially announced her return to the Octagon, ending her brief retirement and setting the stage for a highly anticipated comeback. The 36-year-old Brazilian, who retired in June 2023 after a dominant victory over Irene Aldana at UFC 289, is now targeting the winner of the upcoming bantamweight title fight between Julianna Peña and Kayla Harrison at UFC 316. Fans are eagerly awaiting her return, with potential matchups sparking widespread excitement across the MMA world.

The Road to Return

Nunes' decision to retire was met with surprise, especially since she was at the peak of her career. After a lengthy reign as both the UFC bantamweight and featherweight champion, the Brazilian left the sport on top. However, during a recent appearance at UFC 314, she made it clear that she’s ready to return. "I'm ready, I'm healthy. Whatever happens in the future, Kayla, Julianna, I'm ready to go," she said. She also expressed a particular interest in facing Kayla Harrison, commenting, "Kayla is strong as hell, that’s the one I want."

This declaration has reignited the discussion about Nunes' return to the Octagon, and fans are now buzzing with the possibility of a fresh chapter in her illustrious career.

The Contenders: Peña vs. Harrison

Nunes’ potential opponents offer two intriguing storylines that have captivated both fans and analysts.

Julianna Peña: The current bantamweight champion has a history with Nunes, having pulled off one of the biggest upsets in MMA history when she defeated Nunes for the title at UFC 269. Since then, Peña has continued to solidify her place at the top of the division, even calling for a trilogy fight with Nunes. Fans are eager to see if Nunes can avenge the shocking loss and reclaim her throne, or if Peña will cement her legacy by defending her belt once more.

Kayla Harrison: A two-time PFL champion and Olympic gold medalist in judo, Harrison is one of the most dominant fighters outside the UFC. Having joined the UFC in 2024, she quickly rose to the top ranks of the bantamweight division. Harrison and Nunes share a complicated history as former training partners at American Top Team, and Nunes has admitted that she’s particularly interested in facing Harrison. Their rivalry, fueled by past tension at the gym and Harrison's rise in the UFC, makes for a highly compelling matchup.

What’s at Stake?

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Nunes. If she faces Peña, it will be a chance to settle their rivalry once and for all. A win would be an emphatic statement, solidifying Nunes as one of the greatest female fighters in history. On the other hand, a bout with Harrison would be a test of Nunes' ability to compete with the next generation of MMA stars, a challenge that could redefine her legacy.

Fans are divided on which fight they want to see more, but one thing is certain: Nunes’ return is sure to shake up the bantamweight division and bring fresh excitement to the UFC.

The Fan Response

The MMA community is buzzing with excitement over the prospect of Nunes' return. One fan commented, “Kayla smash Peña. Kayla vs Amanda,” while another added, “But, part of me wants to see Nunes fight Peña again, so she can finally accept that the first fight was the exception, not the second.”

Regardless of who Nunes faces next, fans are eager for her comeback and are speculating about the potential outcome of the fight. Will she avenge her loss to Peña, or will she rise to meet the challenge of Harrison?

What’s Next?

As UFC 316 draws near, all eyes will be on the bantamweight title fight between Peña and Harrison. Should Nunes make her comeback, it promises to be a defining moment in her career and a major event in women's MMA. Whether she faces Peña to settle the score or Harrison to test herself against a new challenge, Nunes’ return is sure to captivate the MMA world.

Stay tuned to FIGHT.TV for more updates on Amanda Nunes’ comeback and the developments leading up to UFC 316.

Amanda Nunes