Amanda Nunes unfazed by co-main event slot for UFC return

There’s no denying that a showdown between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes stands as one of the most significant matchups in the history of women’s MMA. Yet, despite its magnitude, the fight has not been treated with the level of prominence many expected from the UFC.

Still awaiting a new booking, Harrison vs. Nunes was initially slated as the co-main event of UFC 324, positioned beneath an interim lightweight title bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. The women’s bantamweight title clash ultimately fell through in January after Harrison suffered a neck injury that required surgery.

Although UFC CEO Dana White reassured fans that the fight will happen once Harrison is fully recovered, the situation left many dissatisfied. Critics pointed out that one of the biggest fights in women’s MMA history had been placed beneath an interim title bout that, in their view, didn’t warrant such a spotlight. Despite the backlash, Nunes herself had no issue with how her long-awaited return was handled.

“If the UFC makes it the main event, great,” Nunes told MMA Junkie. “If it’s the co-main event—or even the first fight of the night—I just want my belt back. It doesn’t bother me at all. I just want to step into the cage and fight. This is what I love to do—what I was born to do. I’m a champion, and I’m coming for the belt. Whether it’s the first fight or the last, it doesn’t matter to me. I just want my title back.”

Nunes, a former two-division UFC champion, is widely regarded as the greatest female MMA fighter of all time. “The Lioness” retired as champion in 2023 after securing her 11th UFC title victory, choosing to focus on her family. Not long after, Harrison—a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo—transitioned from the PFL, where she captured multiple titles, and signed with the UFC. The American quickly rose through the ranks, capturing the UFC women’s bantamweight title and ultimately drawing Nunes out of retirement.

Now, Nunes awaits a new date for her return, which hinges on Harrison’s recovery. Back in full competition mode, she feels at home again—but is also eager to reclaim her belt.

“I know how to train. I know how to pace myself for a full camp,” Nunes said. “The first camp didn’t work out, but I adjusted. I kept going to the gym, stayed consistent, just at a lower intensity. Now I’m picking things up again. I’m ready whenever the call comes. Any day Kayla is ready—I’m ready for her. And when she’s 100 percent, we’re going to make it happen.”