At the UFC 318 ceremonial weigh-ins in New Orleans, newly crowned women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison delivered a bold message to Amanda Nunes, the former double champion making a comeback. Harrison indicated her eagerness to face Nunes quickly, even offering to waive the mandatory six-month drug testing period that UFC requires for returning fighters, seeking to speed up their anticipated matchup.
During a fan Q&A shared by MMA Junkie, Harrison admitted she had limited updates about Nunes’s return but was focused on preparing herself.
“I haven’t heard too much either, but you best believe I’m gonna be hollering at my boy Ali after this weekend. I had to come to New Orleans, I had to come support Dustin. I’ve been training, but now it’s back to training hard and I’m ready to whoop Amanda’s a—,”
she declared.
When former UFC champion Daniel Cormier questioned the six-month waiting period for drug testing, Harrison responded confidently,
“I mean, I said that I would waive that for a small fee.”
Cormier joked that her motivation was simply to fight Nunes, to which Harrison replied without hesitation,
“I’m ready to fight. Fighters fight.”
Context Around Amanda Nunes’s Return and UFC Regulations
Amanda Nunes announced her return to the UFC in June, ending a two-year retirement. Her motivation stems from a renewed passion, not just a desire to compete for its own sake. Despite being 37 years old, Nunes expressed to The Schmo that her comeback is fueled by enjoyment and a refreshed mindset:
“I decided to come back for something that I really enjoy to be in. Honestly, that’s why I left for two years because I don’t want to be burned out. I got the rest that I need and everything. Why not come back?”
After Harrison submitted Julianna Peña at UFC 316 to capture the vacant bantamweight title, Nunes was present cageside and immediately confronted Harrison in the Octagon, setting the stage for a highly charged rivalry. However, per UFC policy, Nunes must spend at least six months in the drug testing pool before being eligible to fight again—unless an exemption is granted or Harrison waives the requirement, which she has offered to do.
This situation adds complexity to what might become one of the most significant clashes in women’s MMA history, with Harrison pushing for an accelerated bout and Nunes focused on a steady, calculated return.
Harrison’s Strategy to Overcome the Reigning Legend
When asked during the Q&A how she plans to defeat Amanda Nunes, Harrison gave a focused and deliberate answer. Recognizing Nunes as the greatest of all time (GOAT), Harrison described her approach:
“Listen, every fight is different. Amanda’s the GOAT for a reason. So I’m preparing for five hard rounds, one round at a time, one minute at a time, one exchange at a time, one breath at a time. But I’m going to go out there and instill my will. I’m going to break her. I’m going to be and still UFC champion of the world. And then I’mma go fight at the White House.”
This encounter is deeply personal, fueled by their shared past as former teammates at American Top Team. Their rivalry now intensifies beyond simple competition, with Harrison demonstrating unwavering confidence while Nunes remains strategically composed.
Amanda Nunes’s Measured Response to Harrison’s Rise
Watching Harrison’s dominant performance against Peña, Nunes displayed little surprise or hype, viewing it as expected execution rather than a breakthrough. In an interview with The Schmo, Nunes remarked,
“I’m not impressed, I think she did what she’s supposed to do. She saw she could beat Julianna, she saw the arm, and then she got the arm, and she beat Julianna. So, I’m happy for her.”
Her calm assessment emphasizes her veteran mindset and confidence in her own abilities despite Harrison’s emerging prominence. Nunes is prepared to defend her legacy and test her renewed passion against the younger champion.
Anticipation Builds Around a Defining MMA Rivalry
This impending showdown reflects more than just a title fight; it represents a clash between two MMA dynasties—Harrison’s meteoric rise and Nunes’s storied legacy. Betting odds underscore this tension, with DraftKings opening Harrison as a slight favorite at -155 and Nunes positioned as a +130 underdog, a rare position for a fighter of her stature.
As both women continue their preparations, the UFC community awaits the eventual confirmation of this battle. Harrison’s willingness to bypass procedural delays speaks to her determination to prove herself, while Nunes’s careful approach demonstrates her respect for the challenge ahead. When the two finally meet inside the cage, the rivalry will shift from mind games to definitive action, centering on whether Harrison can dethrone the established queen or if Nunes will reaffirm her place as the GOAT of women’s MMA.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Kayla Harrison adopt her kids?
A. Harrison’s sister had problems with addiction, so their mother took custody at first. In 2019, their mother had a stroke, and in 2020 their stepfather died. Harrison then adopted Kyla, who was eight, and Emery, who was two.