VIDEO: Amanda Nunes reacts to the UFC debut of Kayla Harrison at UFC 300

14 April 2024

Former UFC women’s double champion Amanda Nunes, who announced her retirement from the sport in June 2023 due to nerve damage in her legs hindering her training regimen, seems to have found renewed motivation following Kayla Harrison’s impressive debut in the Octagon.

Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, showcased her exceptional skills by swiftly dispatching former women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm in their bout at UFC 300. Employing her judo expertise, Harrison efficiently neutralized Holm's offense before securing a submission victory in the second round.

Nunes, who had previously hinted at a potential comeback in interviews following her retirement, took to social media to express her reaction to Harrison's victory. Posting on her X (formerly Twitter) account for the first time since January, Nunes shared a video of herself reacting to Harrison's post-fight speech with a determined expression.

ALSO READ | VIDEO: Kayla Harrison Dominates Holly Holm in Impressive UFC Debut at UFC 300

In the video, Nunes gestures as if anticipating a call-out from Harrison for a future fight, before shaking her head in disappointment. Accompanying the video, Nunes captioned it with "Chama," Brazilian slang for "Let's go!"

With Harrison potentially eyeing a shot at the UFC women's bantamweight title, currently held by Raquel Pennington, Nunes sees an opportunity for a compelling superfight. The prospect of Nunes, widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters of all time, facing off against the emerging talent of Harrison adds an exciting dimension to the women’s bantamweight division.

As discussions surrounding potential matchups continue to unfold, the presence of fighters like Harrison injects fresh excitement and intrigue into the landscape of women's mixed martial arts, making the future of the bantamweight division all the more captivating.