Kayla Harrison’s UFC 316 Triumph and Amanda Nunes’ Potential Return
At UFC 316, Kayla Harrison showcased her grappling prowess by submitting Julianna Peña in the third round, clinching the women’s bantamweight title. Despite her dominant performance, Harrison’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, expressed skepticism about a potential comeback from former champion Amanda Nunes, suggesting that Nunes retired due to the looming challenge Harrison posed. (mmafighting.com, mmafighting.com)
Nunes’ Retirement and Harrison’s Rise
Amanda Nunes retired in June 2023 after defending her bantamweight title against Irene Aldana at UFC 289. Her decision to retire coincided with Harrison’s ascent in the MMA world, including her UFC debut at UFC 300, where she secured a submission victory over Holly Holm. Harrison’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, implied that Nunes’ retirement was influenced by the emerging threat Harrison represented. (mmafighting.com)
Harrison’s Callout and Nunes’ Response
Following her UFC 316 victory, Harrison expressed interest in facing Nunes, who had been present at the event. Nunes, while not officially announcing a return, posted a video reacting to Harrison’s win, indicating a potential interest in a future bout. (mmajunkie.usatoday.com)
Manager’s Perspective on Nunes’ Return
Abdelaziz remains doubtful about Nunes’ return, suggesting that she may have retired to avoid a confrontation with Harrison. He believes that Nunes’ departure from American Top Team and her subsequent retirement were influenced by Harrison’s rising prominence in the sport. (mmafighting.com)
Conclusion
While Kayla Harrison’s victory at UFC 316 has positioned her as a leading contender in the women’s bantamweight division, the prospect of a bout with Amanda Nunes remains uncertain. Nunes’ potential return to the octagon could set the stage for a highly anticipated matchup, but as of now, her comeback is not guaranteed.
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