Amanda Nunes isn’t letting a potentially lengthy delay stop her plans of becoming undisputed UFC champion again.
Bantamweight titleholder Kayla Harrison was scheduled to defend her belt against Nunes in the co-main event of UFC 324 this Saturday, but the bout was removed from the card when Harrison was forced to withdrew due to having to undergo neck surgery. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the promotion plans to re-book the matchup sometime in 2026.
That leaves Nunes having to wait even longer to make her comeback after retiring at the top of the game in 2023. The 37-year-old “Lioness” spoke to UFC Brasil about the missed opportunity.
“With this news about Kayla having to undergo surgery and all that, it’s a bit sad because I did a whole preparation, the camp was perfect, I was very ready physically, mentally, and spiritually,” Nunes said (Portugese translation via MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz). “We’re sad about all of this, but what can you do, right? It was out of our control, so now it’s a matter of waiting to see what the UFC is going to do.”
Nunes is open to fighting an opponent besides Harrison, but she’s only stepping into the cage again for a shot at regaining undisputed status.
“Everyone’s talking about an interim belt, someone to fight and all that, but guys, that doesn’t exist for me,” Nunes said. “I only fight for the real belt. If the UFC takes the belt now [from Harrison] and puts someone else to fight for it, I’ll fight, but an interim belt doesn’t exist.
“There’s no such thing as me fighting another opponent out of nowhere right now. None of that exists. It’s about waiting to see whether Kayla is going to come back or not, and seeing what’s going to happen.”
Since the UFC 324 bout was canceled, Nunes has frequently posted clips of herself continuing to train and even followed through with the trip to Las Vegas for Saturday’s show at T-Mobile Arena.
The message is clear that Nunes is still fully set on completing her comeback, but only when the time is right.
“But one thing is certain: I’m good, I’m training a lot, I’m motivated, I’m strong,” Nunes said. “I’m 37 years old, the flame is still alive, the lioness is still in the jungle. I’m ready to take my belt back, no matter who it’s against.”
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