Jun 10, 2023; Vancouver, BC, Canada; Amanda Nunes celebrates her victory by decision against Irene Aldana following UFC 289 at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

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‘The Return Of The Lioness’ – Amanda Nunes Ready To Take Back What Was Hers Soon!

Amanda Nunes reveals her intention to come back to the octagon and fight the winner of UFC 316 co-main event!

Jun 10, 2023; Vancouver, BC, Canada; Amanda Nunes celebrates her victory by decision against Irene Aldana following UFC 289 at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

UFC fighters retire, then unretire and champions fall, then rise again. It is what keeps fans coming back for more. In this landscape, few names shine as brightly as Amanda Nunes. The Brazilian powerhouse has carved out a legacy that few can match, dominating two weight classes with a fierce combination of striking and grappling that left opponents wondering what hit them.

Most MMA retirements rarely stick, and it seems ‘The Lioness’ is no exception. After stepping away from the octagon in June 2023 while still at the peak of her powers, Nunes appears ready to reclaim her throne. Her departure left a void in women’s MMA that no one has truly filled. Now, as the division continues to evolve, one of its greatest champions is eyeing a comeback that could shake up the entire landscape of women’s fighting.

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The Return Of Amanda Nunes

Amanda Nunes made waves at the UFC 316 press conference when she confirmed her plans to return to action. The crowd erupted in cheers as she nodded enthusiastically to Dana White’s question about coming back this year. Her target is none other than the winner of the upcoming bantamweight title fight between Kayla Harrison and Julianna Pena scheduled for June 7.

The Lioness 🦁 🏆 #UFC316

How about that reception for @Amanda_Leoa?! pic.twitter.com/G0tZNSFhw9
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) April 11, 2025

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. The women’s Bantamweight division has been searching for direction since Nunes left. While fighters have stepped up, none have captured the imagination of fans quite like Nunes did during her reign. Her knockout power, technical striking, and ground game made her a complete fighter who seemed almost unbeatable at times. Now, with fresh blood (Kayla Harrison) in the division, Nunes sees an opportunity to prove she’s still the apex predator.

Amanda Nunes’ Dominance And Potential Rivalries

It is easy to forget just how incredible Nunes’ run was years after her retirement. With a record of 23-5, she stands as the most accomplished female fighter in UFC history. ‘The Lioness’ simultaneously held championships in two weight classes and successfully defended both multiple times, a feat almost unheard of. Her 11 title fight victories speak to a level of dominance rarely seen in the sport.

The potential matchups for her return are mouth-watering. If Kayla Harrison wins the belt, fans would see a fascinating clash between former training partners from American Top Team. Their history adds an extra layer of intrigue to what would already be a battle between two elite athletes. On the other hand, if Pena emerges victorious, Nunes would have the chance to settle their rivalry once and for all.

"Amanda's not the UFC champion. She retired. I thought she was happily retired."

Kayla Harrison says she's open to fights against Amanda Nunes and Cris Cyborg after winning a UFC title 👀 #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/e3bf472SLf
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) April 14, 2024

After Pena pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history by submitting Nunes at UFC 269, ‘The Lioness’ roared back with a dominant five-round beating in their rematch. A trilogy fight would be the perfect way to determine who truly is the better fighter. Either way, Amanda Nunes’ return is exactly what women’s MMA needs right now. She is a superstar with proven drawing power looking to reclaim what she never truly lost in the cage!

(Image Credit: Sergei Belski – Imagn Images)

Amanda Nunes

Juliana Pena

Kayla Harrison

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!