Amanda Nunes ends retirement, eyes comeback after Hall of Fame induction

Amanda Nunes, widely regarded as the greatest women’s mixed martial artist in UFC history, has officially ended her two-year retirement and confirmed her return to the Octagon. Nunes, who last fought in June 2023 and announced her retirement after a dominant win over Irene Aldana, will challenge the winner of the highly anticipated bantamweight title clash between Kayla Harrison and Julianna Peña.

Nunes’ decision to come back comes just weeks after her induction into the UFC Hall of Fame, marking a historic moment as she seeks to reclaim her throne in a division she once ruled. The Brazilian legend, a former two-weight champion, expressed her excitement about the current state of the bantamweight division and her motivation to compete again.

The exact date of Nunes’ return is yet to be set, but she has indicated she could be ready by late 2025, depending on the outcome of the Harrison vs. Peña title fight Nunes’ comeback sets up a potential blockbuster showdown—either a trilogy bout with Peña or a first-time matchup with Harrison, both of whom have strong ties and history with “The Lioness”.

With her legacy already cemented, Nunes’ return is expected to shake up the bantamweight division and reignite debates about the greatest of all time in women’s MMA.