Amanda Nunes, the remarkable fighter holding two UFC titles simultaneously, asserts that fans will feel her absence once she retires.
Just a little over 18 months ago, Amanda Nunes contemplated retirement. At 35 years old, she was Brazil’s revered double champion and widely recognized as the greatest female mixed martial artist in history. However, in a shocking turn of events, she lost her bantamweight title, which she had held for over five years, to Julianna Pena, marking one of the most significant upsets in UFC history.
Nunes, who also boasts the featherweight belt, is the sole woman to ever claim two titles in the promotion. Throughout her illustrious career, she has triumphed over numerous former champions, including Cris Cyborg, Ronda Rousey, and Valentina Shevchenko.
As Nunes deliberated her future in the sport, she realized that there was one crucial aspect missing from her illustrious resume: avenging a title defeat.
“Sometimes, you find yourself in a somber place, like I did when I lost my belt. However, that experience served as an intriguing motivator,” Nunes shared with Sport Newes Center.
“Undoubtedly, I didn’t want to lose the belt, but the sorrow I felt was different. It rekindled the hunger I had at the beginning of my career. Everything fell into place once again. The fire was reignited, and I was eager to train, perform well, and rediscovered a second wave of motivation.”
Nunes made significant changes, departing from the American Top Team MMA academy and establishing her own gym in Florida. Six months later, she impressively recaptured her title, becoming the UFC’s first two-time double champion.
This Saturday, Nunes aims to draw upon her newfound motivation as she defends her bantamweight title against Mexico’s Irene Aldana at UFC 289, taking place at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada.
Nunes appreciates the defeat she suffered at the hands of Pena, as it led to her breaking more records and extending her career, eventually paving the way for her upcoming fight with Aldana.
“Losing the belt made me a better fighter. I made significant adjustments in my personal life as well as in the octagon,” Nunes admitted.
“I believe this is also true for the fans. Initially, they may have thought, ‘Oh my god, now she will regain the belt and become the champion once more.’ So, I feel it was beneficial because many champions lose their belts and are unable to reclaim them; they fall apart.”
“I sense that the fans will miss me when I retire.”
Nunes finds herself approaching the end of a remarkable career spanning 15 years, 27 fights, and encompassing two of the most dominant title reigns in UFC history.
Prior to her loss to Pena, Nunes enjoyed an impressive 12-fight winning streak, successfully defending her titles in both bantamweight and featherweight divisions on seven occasions.
Pundits and fellow fighters, such as light-heavyweight Anthony Smith, have speculated about Nunes’ retirement, but she insists that it will be an instinctual decision.
“It’s an open question. I have to decide when I feel it,” Nunes emphasized.
“Until I experience it inside the cage, I cannot declare, ‘Oh, this will be my last fight.’ Once everything is concluded, I will know.”
Nunes believes her accomplishments inside the octagon have already solidified her legacy as “the greatest champion ever, never backing down.”
“I shattered numerous records. I lost the belt, and I reclaimed it. I kept myself incredibly busy, maneuvering across divisions, defending my titles, and continuously exciting the fans every time I step into the cage,” she proudly declared.
“I have a sense that fans will yearn for my presence [when I retire], and that’s a gratifying feeling—to create such a historical impact that people wish I could keep going.”
“I can’t wait to witness Aldana’s prowess.”
Originally slated to face Pena in a trilogy fight, Nunes now finds herself preparing for Irene Aldana, who stepped in as a replacement due to Pena’s injury.
Aldana last competed in September, stunning Macy Chiasson with a rare up-kick finish. Over her 11-year career, she has secured victories in 14 out of 20 fights, winning four of her last five.
Nunes eagerly anticipates the fresh challenge presented by the 35-year-old Aldana.
“Aldana understands how to utilize her reach, possesses excellent boxing skills, and has the potential to knock me out as well. Hence, I must remain vigilant, quick, composed, and powerful, ensuring she pays for her actions,” Nunes explained.
“I have a multitude of strategies to employ, including my wrestling and ground game. I must blend them seamlessly.”
“I am genuinely excited about this fight. I eagerly anticipate witnessing what Aldana will bring to the table.”
4 comments
Amanda Nunes is a beast in the octagon! She’s the only fighter to hold two titles at the same time. Can’t believe she almost retired, glad she came back stronger. Excited to see her defend the bantamweight title against Aldana at UFC 289.
Nunes is a legend, man! She’s beaten some top-notch fighters and her record speaks for itself. Losing the belt made her even better, and now she’s out there breaking records left and right. Gonna miss her when she retires.
Aldana better watch out for Nunes’ power! She’s a force to be reckoned with. Can’t wait to see if Aldana brings anything new to the fight. It’s gonna be a battle!
Nunes is a true inspiration. She never gave up and made history in the process. Her fights are always thrilling, and she’s got a huge fan base. We’ll definitely miss her when she hangs up her gloves. Keep making history, Amanda!