Amanda `The Lioness` Nunes is set to return to the Octagon, a decision driven by more than just adding another chapter to her storied career.
At UFC 289, Nunes announced her retirement inside the cage after successfully defending her bantamweight title.
Retirement had been on the Brazilian star`s mind for some time, but a surprising loss and subsequent rematch against Julianna Pena unexpectedly prolonged her career by several years.
Now, with Pena scheduled to defend the title against Kayla Harrison at UFC 316, Nunes has confirmed her return to face the victor.
A 2024 Hall of Fame inductee, the 36-year-old`s legacy is already secure. However, her choice to fight again isn`t solely motivated by potential matchups with Pena or Harrison.
Mental Health Challenges Sparked Nunes` Return to Fighting
It`s often observed in MMA that retirements are brief. Many fighters find it challenging to transition away from a life so completely dedicated to the sport.
Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has previously discussed facing difficulties when not booked for a fight, finding that training camps and specific goals provide necessary direction.
Amanda Nunes echoed this sentiment recently on the UFC Unfiltered podcast, confirming her comeback plans.
2024 marked the first full year since 2007 (the year before her professional debut) that she didn`t compete in a professional MMA bout.
Between 2008 and 2023, the former two-division champion fought 28 times, including 12 straight UFC title contests.
Consequently, Nunes shared that her post-retirement plans to relax and enjoy herself didn`t unfold as anticipated.
`The Lioness` stated that having a specific goal to pursue provided the necessary direction to manage mental struggles she encountered after leaving her gloves in the Octagon at Rogers Arena.
“I honestly thought I could do something else, maybe relax at home, enjoy, travel. But after a year, things got really bad. I started feeling anxious, not wanting to be here. When I go to Brazil, I always struggle with everything. I lacked a schedule, and I can`t function without one. So after a year, I completely lost it. I needed to get back in, do something. I needed to train, eat clean, everything. But for what? I didn`t have a goal. I can`t train without a life goal. I still feel good, no injuries, my muscle memory is sharp… If I still have it, what am I waiting for?”
Potential Opponents for Nunes` Return
Regardless of who wins the bantamweight title at UFC 316, Amanda Nunes` return fight will be a significant event.
`The Lioness` has a history with both potential opponents. She split two fights with Julianna Pena just before her retirement.
After a surprising loss at UFC 269, Nunes avenged the defeat with a dominant performance against Pena at UFC 277 to reclaim the belt.
As for Kayla Harrison, her presence at American Top Team was reportedly a factor in Nunes` decision to leave the gym and train with a smaller group.
A fight between Nunes and Harrison has long been considered a dream matchup, and now it`s potentially just one fight away.
Rupert Hartwell