Amanda Nunes Announces Comeback from Retirement, Aims for Championship Fight

Newark, New Jersey – Amanda Nunes, a legendary figure in women’s mixed martial arts, announced her return to the UFC after a retirement that lasted just over two years. Nunes, who holds an impressive record of 23 wins and 5 losses, intends to fight the winner of the women’s bantamweight title bout between Julianna Peña and Kayla Harrison at UFC 316 this Saturday.

“I missed [fighting] so much,” Nunes said during a fan Q&A session. “My baby is big now. She didn’t sleep much at night and I was concerned about that, but now I’m ready to go.” Nunes and her partner, former UFC fighter Nina Ansaroff, welcomed their second child in 2023. Nunes will be in attendance at the event in Newark.

Known as “The Lioness,” Nunes has a storied history with both fighters involved in the title fight. In December 2021, Peña achieved a remarkable upset by submitting Nunes to win the championship. However, in their rematch in July 2022, Nunes dominated Peña to reclaim her title.

Nunes expressed her readiness to return to the octagon, stating, “I’m like really healthy, my weight is good, so why not? No injuries. So let’s see what is going to happen, and I’m ready to step in again.” Her last fight was a unanimous decision victory against Irene Aldana at UFC 289.

Throughout her career, Nunes has faced and defeated numerous elite fighters, including Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm. Adding to her legacy, she will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025.

UFC President Dana White praised Nunes, stating, “Amanda Nunes is the greatest female fighter of all-time. She is an incredible person, and it will be an honor to induct her into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”