UFC icon Amanda Nunes is ending her two-year retirement to face Kayla Harrison, a matchup that one prominent UFC legend believes could be the most significant women`s fight ever seen in the promotion. This potential mega-bout is being compared to Nunes`s unforgettable 2016 victory over Ronda Rousey.
Nunes, widely considered the greatest female fighter in UFC history, retired in 2023 after successfully defending her UFC Women’s Bantamweight title against Irene Aldana. Following her retirement and vacating of the belt, she was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
With her comeback now confirmed following Kayla Harrison`s victory over Julianna Pena at UFC 316, one UFC legend is highlighting the potential magnitude of Nunes`s return fight.
Daniel Cormier Believes Amanda Nunes vs Kayla Harrison is the Biggest Women’s Fight in UFC History
With a fight against Harrison now highly anticipated, UFC legend Daniel Cormier expressed his view that Nunes’ comeback bout could be the biggest women’s fight the UFC has ever arranged.
Speaking on `Good Guy/Bad Guy`, the former two-weight UFC Champion suggested this fight could potentially be bigger than Nunes’ historic clash with Ronda Rousey in 2016.
Cormier stated: “The last time Amanda Nunes was put in this position, she had what was one of the biggest fights and wins in UFC women’s history. She beat Cris Cyborg.”
“At the time, we thought there could never be a bigger fight made in mixed martial arts.”
“And then Ronda Rousey came and tried to fight Amanda Nunes, and we thought this may be the biggest fight in women’s mixed martial arts history.”
“But this one? Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes — it feels truly like it is the biggest fight that we can make in women’s MMA history.”
While this will undoubtedly be a significant match, surpassing the impact of Nunes vs. Rousey from nearly a decade ago presents a considerable challenge.
Amanda Nunes’ Knockout Win Over Ronda Rousey in 2016 Will Be Difficult to Top
At UFC 207, Nunes delivered a devastating knockout to end Ronda Rousey’s UFC career and retain her UFC Women’s Bantamweight title.
After Rousey’s stunning loss to Holly Holm at UFC 193, she sought redemption by challenging the fighter who would become arguably the greatest women`s fighter in UFC history.
The fight did not go well for Rousey. She was completely overwhelmed by the Brazilian champion, who needed only 48 seconds to finish the fight with a barrage of punches, leaving Rousey knocked out while still standing.
The bout set records at the time. The 18,533 fans in attendance broke the UFC’s gate record in Nevada, and Rousey’s earnings from the fight were reportedly equal to Conor McGregor’s record-breaking purse from UFC 215.
Breaking these specific attendance and financial records might be difficult for Nunes vs. Harrison, but Cormier’s assessment emphasizes the immense potential significance of this upcoming fight in the history of women`s mixed martial arts.
