Amanda Nunes Open to Julianna Peña Trilogy, But Eyes Kayla Harrison for UFC Comeback Fight

Former UFC double champion Amanda Nunes has broken her silence about a potential return to the octagon, revealing her preferred opponents. While she's open to completing her trilogy with Julianna Peña, Nunes has made it clear that Kayla Harrison is "the one I want" for her UFC comeback. This declaration comes after Harrison's impressive UFC debut and acquisition of the women's bantamweight title that once belonged to Nunes.

The Brazilian legend, who retired in June 2023 after defending her bantamweight title against Irene Aldana, appears motivated by Harrison's arrival in the UFC. According to Nunes, if Harrison was not in the UFC, she wouldn't come out of retirement just for the trilogy fight with Peña. Her competitive fire has clearly been reignited by the Olympic gold medalist's presence in her former division.

In recent statements on UFC Fight Pass Brasil, Nunes expressed her championship mentality saying, "Kayla or Julianna, I want my belt back, and I'll fight for it." She has also addressed past training sessions with Harrison as speculation about this potential superfight continues to build among MMA fans.

Former two-division champion Amanda Nunes has signaled her intent to come out of retirement and reclaim the UFC women's bantamweight title. Her comeback plans are taking shape as potential matchups with Julianna Peña and Kayla Harrison emerge as leading possibilities.

Retirement Decision and Competitive Return

Amanda Nunes shocked the MMA world when she announced her retirement in June 2023 after successfully defending her bantamweight title against Irene Aldana at UFC 289. At that time, she left the sport as one of its most decorated champions, seemingly content with her accomplishments.

The competitive fire never fully extinguished, however. Just ten months into retirement, Nunes has publicly declared her intention to return to reclaim the belt she once held.

Her motivation appears clear: "I want my belt back, and I'll fight for it," Nunes stated in a recent interview. This determination demonstrates the champion mentality that defined her initial run at the top of two divisions.

Legacy as Women's Bantamweight and Featherweight Champion

Nunes' legacy in UFC history is firmly established as one of the greatest fighters ever. She became the first woman to hold championships in two weight classes simultaneously, dominating both the bantamweight and featherweight divisions.

Her resume includes victories over every woman who had previously held the UFC bantamweight title: Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, Miesha Tate, and Julianna Peña. This unprecedented run of success earned her the nickname "The Lioness" and cemented her status as the greatest female MMA fighter.

Despite her accomplishments, Nunes' competitive nature appears unsatisfied with ending her career after regaining her title from Peña. The prospect of new challenges, particularly against Olympic judoka Kayla Harrison, seems to have reignited her desire to compete at the highest level.

Positioning Within the Bantamweight Division

The current bantamweight landscape presents intriguing matchups for Nunes' return. While she has expressed openness to a trilogy fight with Julianna Peña, she has identified Kayla Harrison as "the one I want" for her comeback bout.

Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, represents a fresh challenge. Having recently signed with the UFC, Harrison brings world-class grappling credentials and an undefeated record in MMA to the bantamweight division.

The timing of Nunes' return coincides with significant developments in the division. A potential title fight against either Peña or Harrison would generate substantial interest, with many fans particularly excited about the prospect of Nunes facing Harrison in what would be a battle between two of the most accomplished female combat sports athletes.

Evaluating the Trilogy with Julianna Peña

The rivalry between Amanda Nunes and Julianna Peña has produced two of the most compelling bantamweight title fights in UFC history, with each fighter claiming one victory in their head-to-head series.

History Between Amanda Nunes and Julianna Peña

Amanda Nunes and Julianna Peña first crossed paths at UFC 269 in December 2021, in what would become one of the biggest upsets in UFC history. Prior to this matchup, Nunes had dominated the bantamweight division as champion since 2016, establishing herself as the greatest female fighter in MMA history.

Peña had long pursued the fight, consistently challenging Nunes and expressing confidence she could dethrone the champion. Many dismissed her chances, viewing her as another inevitable victim for "The Lioness."

The buildup to their first encounter featured Peña's unwavering self-belief against Nunes's proven championship pedigree. This set the stage for their rivalry that would ultimately require a trilogy to settle.

Key Moments and Outcomes from Previous Fights

UFC 269: The Shocking Upset

Peña submitted Nunes via rear-naked choke in round 2
Peña withstood Nunes's power in round 1
Fatigue visibly affected Nunes in round 2
The victory was considered one of the greatest upsets in UFC history

UFC 277: The Dominant Rematch

Nunes reclaimed her title via unanimous decision
Nunes dropped Peña multiple times with improved striking
Nunes showcased superior wrestling and control
Peña displayed extraordinary toughness despite absorbing significant damage

The contrasting outcomes created a perfect narrative for a decisive third fight. Nunes dominated the rematch but has since retired, while Peña has continued to campaign for another opportunity.

Significance of a Potential Trilogy Bout

A trilogy bout between Amanda Nunes and Julianna Peña would provide definitive closure to their rivalry. With the series tied at 1-1, a third fight would determine the superior fighter once and for all.

For Nunes, this represents an opportunity to cement her legacy by defeating the only woman to finish her in the UFC. Coming out of retirement for this fight would allow her to erase any lingering doubts about her status as the greatest female fighter.

For Peña, a trilogy victory would validate her first win as more than just a fluke. She has remained focused on this matchup, believing she can replicate the success of their first encounter.

The UFC fanbase appears divided on this potential matchup, with many interested in the trilogy's competitive storyline, while others are more intrigued by fresh challenges like Kayla Harrison for Nunes's potential return.

Kayla Harrison: The Desired Opponent for Nunes' Comeback

Former two-division UFC champion Amanda Nunes has made it clear that while she's open to a trilogy fight with Julianna Peña, Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison is her preferred opponent for her UFC return.

Kayla Harrison's MMA Achievements and Background

Kayla Harrison brings an impressive pedigree to the UFC, having established herself as a dominant force in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). The two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo (2012 and 2016) amassed an exceptional 15-1 professional MMA record before joining the UFC in 2023.

Harrison's only career defeat came via controversial decision to Larissa Pacheco in the 2022 PFL championship. Before that loss, she had dominated the PFL's women's lightweight division, securing back-to-back championships in 2019 and 2021.

Her fighting style combines world-class judo throws with increasingly improved striking and a powerful ground game. Harrison's significant size and strength advantage over many bantamweight competitors makes her a particularly intriguing matchup for Nunes.

Potential Impact of the Nunes vs. Harrison Matchup

A clash between Nunes and Harrison would represent one of the most significant women's MMA bouts in UFC history. Nunes has explicitly stated that Harrison is "the one I want" for her UFC comeback.

This potential matchup appeals to UFC President Dana White, who has long sought compelling challenges for Nunes. The fight would pit the widely considered women's MMA GOAT against a physical specimen with Olympic pedigree.

The bout could headline UFC 316 or another major pay-per-view event, generating significant interest from casual and hardcore fans alike. From a business perspective, the matchup offers fresh promotional angles beyond the Nunes-Peña rivalry.

Olympic Gold Medalist's Transition to UFC

Harrison's move to the UFC in 2023 marked a significant career shift after years of dominance in the PFL. Her UFC debut was impressive, showcasing her ability to adapt her skillset to the promotion's competitive landscape and bantamweight division.

The transition from PFL to UFC presented Harrison with new challenges, including fighting at 135 pounds rather than her customary 155. Despite these adjustments, Harrison has displayed the world-class athleticism and technical ability that made her an Olympic champion.

UFC officials have positioned Harrison for a potential title shot, recognizing her star power and unique background. While some critics initially questioned if Harrison's judo-centric approach would translate to UFC success, her performances have silenced many doubters.

Implications for the UFC and Women's MMA Landscape

Amanda Nunes' potential return creates significant ripple effects across women's MMA divisions. Her preference for Harrison over Peña shapes upcoming matchmaking decisions and could redefine championship hierarchies in multiple weight classes.

Future Title Fights and Division Shakeups

Nunes' comeback dramatically alters the UFC's women's bantamweight division landscape. With Nunes set to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, her return creates compelling storylines for future pay-per-views and potential title fights.

The UFC appears to be positioning Kayla Harrison for championship success, with speculation that they're banking on Harrison defeating Peña to set up a marquee matchup with Nunes. This strategic matchmaking could rejuvenate interest in the division.

Current bantamweight champion Julianna Peña's position becomes precarious, as she must now defend against Olympic judoka Harrison while knowing Nunes awaits. Meanwhile, Raquel Pennington and other contenders may face longer paths to title contention with these high-profile matchups taking precedence.

Comparisons to Other Notable Fighters and Events

Nunes' situation parallels other high-profile UFC comebacks, though with unique elements. Unlike Georges St-Pierre's return solely for a middleweight title, Nunes might reclaim championships in two divisions if she regains her previous form.

The projected Harrison-Nunes matchup could rival the excitement of Zhang Weili's championship encounters and potentially exceed the financial success of Ronda Rousey's biggest events. Harrison's Olympic pedigree versus Nunes' two-division dominance creates a compelling narrative.

This trilogy/rivalry situation also invites comparisons to the Valentina Shevchenko-Nunes saga, though with different competitive dynamics. While Nunes-Shevchenko featured two technicians, a Nunes-Harrison bout would showcase raw power against refined technique.

UFC scheduling implications are significant, as this potential championship contest would warrant main event status on a major card, possibly affecting lightweight division placement and other championship bouts.