UFC commentator Jon Anik has expressed a strong opinion about the upcoming Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes UFC superfight, suggesting it could become one of the most significant matches in women’s MMA history. This fight carries major anticipation as it features Harrison, the reigning UFC women’s bantamweight champion, defending her title against Amanda Nunes, a legendary fighter considering a return to the octagon.
Kayla Harrison’s Rise to the UFC Bantamweight Title
Kayla Harrison earned the bantamweight championship by delivering a dominant performance over Julianna Pena, a former two-time champion. By submitting Pena decisively, Harrison cemented her place as one of the top female combat sports athletes worldwide. Her victory has heightened interest in her upcoming challenge and added weight to her legacy.
Amanda Nunes’ Possible UFC Comeback
Amanda Nunes, widely regarded as the greatest of all time (GOAT) in women’s MMA, has been considering a return after Harrison’s triumph at UFC 316. Following the event, Nunes and Harrison briefly faced off in the cage, amplifying anticipation for their scheduled fight. Fans and analysts view this matchup as a vital moment for the women’s divisions in the sport.
Anik’s Perspective on the Fight’s Historical Significance
Jon Anik compared the importance of the Harrison vs Nunes fight to previous landmark bouts. He commented,
“Kayla Harrison versus Amanda Nunes in theoretical terms—Harrison’s first title defense—would be as big, but it’s hard for me, as we sit on the brink of UFC 316, to suggest to you that it would singularly be the biggest. But it would be as big for me as what was the biggest fight prior, which I guess for me was Amanda Nunes versus Ronda Rousey. And let’s not discount Julianna Peña, who does hold a win over Amanda Nunes.”
—Jon Anik, UFC commentator
He further noted the potential tension influencing the fight’s narrative, saying,
“She might come out of the defend-the-title side of all this, and she has that heat with Amanda, whereas Kayla and Amanda, I think, some heat can come up from all this from the stuff that we’ve heard behind the scenes that may or may not have happened at American Top Team before Nunes left. But I guess, first things first, that fight has to happen.”
—Jon Anik, UFC commentator
What the Fight Means for Women’s MMA and Future Matches
This upcoming matchup is seen as a crucial event that could reshape the landscape of female mixed martial arts. As Harrison prepares to defend her title against a returning Nunes, the clash promises to draw significant attention and spark discussions about legacies, rivalries, and the evolution of the sport. With the fighters’ histories and competitive spirits, the bout may stand alongside some of the most memorable contests in UFC history.