Amanda Nunes hasn’t fought in the octagon since June 10, 2023, when she announced her retirement after a dominant win over Irene Aldana at UFC 289. Now, with UFC 314 on the horizon, it looks like her time away might be coming to an end.
The Lioness was recently present in the audience at the UFC 316 press conference. There, she hinted at a possible return, but it wasn’t directly from her—it came through UFC President Dana White instead
Amanda Nunes Signals Return While Promoting Bantamweight Fight
At the UFC 316 press conference, all eyes were supposed to be on the upcoming bantamweight title fight between Julianna Peña and Kayla Harrison. But the spotlight quickly shifted when Amanda Nunes showed up in the audience.
Nunes, also known as “The Lioness,” hasn’t stepped inside the Octagon since her retirement in June 2023 after beating Irene Aldana at UFC 289. Yet, her appearance at the press conference sparked major excitement—and a big hint about her return.
When someone asked UFC President Dana White if Nunes might fight again, he didn’t answer with words alone. Instead, he turned toward her and said, “She just said yes.” The camera then showed Nunes smiling and nodding, confirming the tease without saying a single word. That simple moment sent fans buzzing.
The timing of her hint felt meaningful. It happened while Peña and Harrison’s June title fight was being discussed. This has led many to believe Nunes could face the winner of that fight.
Nunes has a history with both women. She’s 1-1 with Peña—losing their first fight but coming back strong in the rematch. As for Harrison, they were once teammates at American Top Team, and fans have been dreaming about a face-off between the two for years.
Now, with Nunes possibly returning, that dream fight might finally happen. And both Peña and Harrison have already reacted to the idea of The Lioness coming back. UFC fans are in for something special.
Peña & Harrison React to Nunes’ Comeback Hint
Julianna Peña was excited when she heard that Amanda Nunes might come back to the UFC. “I knew she was retiring too early,” Peña said after Nunes gave a hint about returning. Peña added, “Just like Dana said, just like you guys are all seeing. She’s not done. She’s just sitting on the sidelines to see what happens.”
Kayla Harrison also shared her thoughts about Nunes possibly coming back. “Absolutely,” Harrison said when asked if she would fight Nunes after facing Peña. “I think Amanda and I know that’s what’s gonna happen.”
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