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UFC Legend Amanda Nunes Announces Return from Retirement: ‘I’m Back and Ready to Go’
In a shocking turn of events, former UFC champion Amanda “The Lioness” Nunes has announced her return to the octagon after initially retiring in June 2023. Speaking with the media, Nunes made it clear that she’s not only back but ready to reclaim her throne.
“I am the Lioness,” Nunes declared. “I’m back and ready to go.” When asked about her motivation for returning, Nunes seemed inspired by the presence of Kayla Harrison in the women’s featherweight division. “I feel like the whole thing with Kayla Harrison motivated me a lot too,” she said. “So, she got in the UFC and it was a big thing. You know she used to talk about me all the time in interviews and all those things. And I said, you know what; I don’t have any injuries. I’m good. I’m still training and I’m still healthy. So why not? It’s a good challenge. And my whole life; my whole career, I move with challenges. I love that feeling. The challenge, the threat. This is good. Kayla brings a threat to this division, and I love to be in the mix of that.”
At 37 years old when she returns to competition, Nunes may have an edge over her younger counterparts. Her opponents, Julianna Peña and Kayla Harrison, are both over 35 years old, with Peña turning 36 in August and Harrison celebrating her 35th birthday in July.
Nunes’ first fight back will likely be against the winner of the bout between Peña and Harrison, which is expected to take place at UFC 316. With Nunes’s return, an intriguing three-way storyline has unfolded, pitting two aging fighters against a younger contender looking to make her mark on the division.
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Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2025/04/17/ufc-legend-announces-return-from-retirement-im-back-and-ready-to-go/
