Former dual-weight UFC champion Amanda Nunes, who retired from mixed martial arts in June 2023 after her victory at UFC 289, is considering a return to competition. However, a highly anticipated potential matchup against newly crowned bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison faces a significant obstacle.
Speculation about a clash between the two intensified following UFC 316 on Saturday night. After Kayla Harrison secured the 135-pound title by defeating Julianna Pena via submission, Amanda Nunes entered the cage for a face-off, seemingly confirming interest in a future showdown.
UFC President Dana White expressed a desire to make the fight happen but indicated uncertainty about it occurring in 2025. The main hurdle is Amanda Nunes`s current status outside the UFC`s official anti-doping program.
Like other fighters returning from retirement or a hiatus, `The Lioness` must typically re-enter the drug testing pool and undergo random testing for a minimum of six months before being eligible to compete again in the Octagon.
While the UFC can grant exemptions in rare circumstances, these usually still require the fighter to pass at least two drug tests. The standard requirement for a six-month period in the testing pool could significantly delay the potential super fight, possibly pushing it back until 2026.
Kayla Harrison`s Challenging Weight Cut
In related news from UFC 316, Kayla Harrison candidly discussed the extreme difficulty she experienced making the 135-pound weight limit for her championship bout. Speaking post-fight, she described the process as grueling, admitting she felt hopeless and wanted to give up during the cut, emphasizing the need for faith to overcome the final struggle to make weight.
Benedict Kingsley 
Rupert Hartwell