The opponent for Amanda Nunes` anticipated return to the UFC has been confirmed as Kayla Harrison. The announcement took place on June 7 in Newark, New Jersey.
This highly anticipated matchup was set shortly after Harrison defeated Julianna Pena on June 7th, making her the new bantamweight champion and setting the stage for this major bout with the returning “Lioness”.
Following the announcement, Nunes commented on her history with Harrison, mentioning their time training together at American Top Team (ATT).
`The Lioness` eventually left ATT, citing her belief that she and Harrison were destined to face each other in the Octagon.
In contrast to some opinions, like Demetrious Johnson`s suggestion that Harrison should retire, a former UFC fighter who witnessed Nunes and Harrison spar years ago offered a completely different perspective.
Jorge Masvidal Favors Kayla Harrison Over Amanda Nunes, Recalling Their Grueling Training Sessions
Speaking on The MMA Hour in April of the previous year, Jorge Masvidal discussed Kayla Harrison`s impressive UFC debut at UFC 300, where she dominated Holly Holm.
Ever since the former PFL champion signed with the UFC, speculation began about a potential clash with the returning Amanda Nunes.
As a long-standing member of American Top Team, Masvidal has had a close view of both Nunes and Harrison throughout their careers.
While not divulging every detail, Masvidal, known as `Gamebred`, described witnessing the two women train together before Nunes established her own training camp.
I saw some of their training sessions, and let me tell you, they were like pay-per-views. Both of them are fierce competitors, like felines, unwilling to give an inch.
Masvidal analyzed both fighters` strengths but ultimately predicted Harrison would win, praising her exceptional work ethic as a potential deciding factor, especially given Nunes` two-year layoff.
I`ll put my money on Kayla right now… But yeah, I`m going to put my money on Kayla.
Masvidal Claims American Top Team Had to Intervene in Nunes and Harrison`s Training Due to Intensity
Masvidal added that while he saw some sessions, the training bouts between Nunes and Harrison were infrequent.
The former BMF champion recalled that the intense competitiveness of both athletes meant their sparring sessions often became too wild and potentially dangerous.
You could count the sessions they had on one hand because they were just too intense… They were always in fight mode, neither one backing down.
Nunes has previously stated that her training sessions with Harrison occurred when she wasn`t in peak condition, implying she intends to show the champion her true form in their upcoming fight.
Based on what he witnessed, Masvidal has extremely high expectations for the confirmed fight.
It`s going to be one of the best women`s fights ever when it happens.
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