Amanda Nunes is making a comeback.
Last Saturday, UFC surprised the 36-year-old with an induction into their Modern Wing Hall of Fame. It’s a well deserved one too. Nunes is arguably the greatest female fighter to step into the UFC. It’s not just that she’s a former UFC Bantamweight and Featherweight Champion; Nunes stepped up to every challenge presented to her and continuously proved why she’s the baddest woman on the planet. With wins over Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, Valentina Shevchenko on her resume, it’s hard to deny just how great she really is.
Not surprisingly, the former UFC star was honored to be the latest inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame.
"They surprised me. I didn't expect it at all," Nunes said. "I love this game. I love the fight. And I miss it so much. I honestly have a hard time being away. I tried everything. I tried maybe coaching, maybe doing this and that, but I'm a fighter, you know? I'm a lioness. I cannot be away from this game, [and I am] so ready to get back here, but tonight was amazing."
The key thing in that statement is that Nunes is struggling to stay away from the game since she’s been a fighter for over two decades. When Nunes made the decision to retire in 2023, there was no one left in either division that truly presented a challenge for the two-division champion. However, with Kayla Harrison finally making her way into the UFC, Nunes feels inspired again, and she’s genuinely considering a return to the octagon.
"I feel like the whole thing with Kayla Harrison motivated me," Nunes said about the former two-time PFL tournament champion winner. "She got in the UFC and that was a big thing. She used to talk about me all the time in interviews, and so I said, 'You know what? I don't have any injuries, I'm good. I'm still training, I'm still healthy, so why not?' It's a good challenge, and my whole career I'm moved by challenges. I love that feeling."
And we’ll get to see her scrap again as Nunes confirmed during a media scrum that she’ll fight the winner of Pena vs. Harrison at UFC 316.
Congratulations to Amanda Nunes on her UFC Hall of Fame induction. Her return also teases a possible dream match between her and Kayla Harrison. It should be one hell of a fight if it ends up happening.