Amanda Nunes is poised to make her return to the UFC, but she remains in training at her privately established gym in Sunrise, Florida, following her departure from American Top Team. This move was made to prevent any conflicts with Kayla Harrison, the current UFC bantamweight champion, whom Nunes aims to face in a title fight.
Kayla Harrison secured the UFC bantamweight championship by submitting Julianna Pena at UFC 316, setting the stage for a much-anticipated superfight with Nunes later this year. The timing and location of Nunes’s comeback depend largely on the UFC’s scheduling and her re-entry into the DFSI testing pool, with a hopeful window around late November or early December.
Nunes Expresses Readiness and Determination to Reclaim Title
At the recent DBX 2 event in Florida, Nunes openly stated her eagerness for the next UFC steps.
“Talk to Dana, see what is next, when is the date,”
she said. Reflecting on her UFC 316 faceoff with Harrison, Nunes shared,
“It looked like I never left. I’m ready to go: body, spirit, mind. I’m back. I have my own place since I left American Top Team awhile ago. A private place in Sunrise. Gonna take my belt back, go get it — what is mine.”
Her commitment to privacy and focused training has been a priority since early 2022, signaling her serious intent to regain the bantamweight title. The main obstacle now remains the UFC’s official decision and timing.
Championship Status and Perspectives from UFC Figures
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Luke Rockhold emphasized Nunes’s standing within the division, stating on the Jaxxon Podcast,
“Nunes walked away as champ and she returns as champ. She still is the champ. [Harrison] is the interim champ. This is an interim championship considering she’s back. She was No. 1 when she left and she’s still No. 1 now.”
While sportsbooks may have differing opinions on how the matchup will influence rankings, UFC CEO Dana White’s support for Nunes indicates the promotion’s interest in facilitating this highly anticipated bout. This potential fight carries significant weight for the bantamweight division and is expected to draw considerable attention upon confirmation.